Gov. Rendell Continues Push For Federal Aid To Victims Of June Storms

Press Release

Gov. Rendell Continues Push For Federal Aid To Victims Of June Storms

Appeals Disaster Declaration Denial In Allegheny, Westmoreland Counties; Adds Erie, York Counties To Statewide Damage Totals

Governor Edward G. Rendell today took another step in his efforts to secure federal assistance for residents of four Pennsylvania counties grappling with flood damage that occurred in June.

In a letter to President Barack Obama, the Governor appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency's decision to deny federal disaster assistance to residents of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.

Damages in Erie County were included among the appeal because the National Weather Service indicated the six inches of rain that fell in the county from June 29-30 were the result of the same large-scale weather pattern. In addition, York County was noted in the letter because the nearly $404,000 in surveyed damages fell short of the federal declaration threshold for public assistance of approximately $1.25 million.

The Governor said that the financial and emotional toll that victims of the storms suffered, and the financial burden placed on already cash-strapped municipalities, warranted that each of the four counties be declared a disaster area.

"I'm asking the president to reconsider FEMA's decision to deny assistance to victims of this storm," said Governor Rendell. "Individual citizens and municipalities cannot be expected to bear this financial burden on their own. The commonwealth has requested and received both individual and public assistance in the past, and the victims of these storms deserve no less."

If a federal disaster declaration is received for damages, Individual Assistance would provide help for renters, homeowners and small businesses in the forms of grants and low-interest loans.

In his letter, the Governor specifically requested Individual Assistance including the Individuals and Household Program which can provide funds for temporary housing and home repair; Other Needs Assistance for disaster-related costs that do not fall under housing; Disaster Unemployment Assistance; Food Stamps; Crisis Counseling; Legal Services; U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans; and associated programs to assist the survivors of Allegheny, Erie, and Westmoreland counties.

Governor Rendell requested statewide hazard mitigation, as well as public assistance declaration of major disaster for all categories in the impacted municipalities of Allegheny, Erie and Westmoreland counties.

The SBA makes low-interest loans of up to $200,000 available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations allow loans of up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Interest rates are as low as 2.437 percent for homeowners and renters, and four percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial qualifications.

The Public Assistance Grant Program would reimburse local governments (state, county, local, municipal authorities and school districts) and certain non-profit agencies for costs that were involved in disaster response and recovery programs. Aid is also available for loss or damage to facilities or property used to deliver governmental-like services. The Public Assistance Program is largely funded by FEMA with local and state contributions required.

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