Northeastern Pennsylvania Counties Are Eligible for Federal Aid for Flood Damages

The Declaration

President Obama declared that Wyoming, Susquehanna, and Luzerne counties are eligible for federal funds to repair roads and bridges damaged by Tropical Storm Lee.

The president used an official disaster declaration for public assistance which allows the federal government to help the local municipalities. The declaration was issued over the weekend and was not widely publicized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency until Monday, Oct. 10.

Susquehanna County

Expressing the frustration that area residents have experienced from the onset, Susquehanna County emergency management coordinator Charlene G. Moser said it was about time. Area residents have been complaining that the federal government does more for foreign countries when they have disasters than it does for the American people when disaster strikes at home. They specifically cite the disaster relief that was provided to Pakistan when that country was devastated by flooding.

More than half of the 40 municipalities in Susquehanna County have reported damage, and most of the damage has been on roads. The early estimate is approximately $1.6 million in damages. The county has a lot of dirt roads so a major storm such as this does considerable damage.

Duryea Mayor Keith Moss said his borough spent $50,000 to $100,000 on removing more than 1,000 tons of debris. The borough had 339 homes and two businesses affected by flooding. The borough is not yet done cleaning out as residents continue to clean out their houses and the borough must pick up the debris.

Luzerne County

Luzerne County Commissioner Stephen Urban estimated that the county alone had approximately $20 million in damage to roads and bridges as well as the Wyoming Valley Levee System and related equipment.

Wyoming County

Gene Dziak the emergency management coordinator for Wyoming County said they had a lot of infrastructure that was totally destroyed. He estimated the cost at $5 million and said they had over 100,000 in dumpster bills just for Wyoming County.

How the Program Works

Local governments must now apply to FEMA for assistance just as private individuals have been doing for weeks. The federal government will reimburse 75 percent of costs with state and local governments paying the other 25 percent. Luzerne County Commissioner wants the state of Pennsylvania to pay the additional 25 percent. Nonprofit facilities such as cooperative electric and water utilities, educational, custodial care, and medical organizations may also apply. The counties are also eligible to apply for money to reduce the possibility of future flooding.

Source: http://citizensvoice.com/news/obama-declares-disaster-for-municipalities-1.1216120#axzz1aW