Governor Ed Rendell has approved funding which will pay the entire 25 percent match for Federal Emergency Management Agency funding in an effort to further assist victims of last month’s flooding.
The money from the federal government is on the way to the state for assistance in repairing public facilities and to assist with qualified residential buyouts.
According to a release from State Senator Robert C. Jubelirer, previously the formula called for a 22 percent state and three percent local funding to complete the match for federal assistance.
“I am very pleased that Governor Rendell has recognized the impact of these storms on smaller, rural communities. Taking the financial burdens of the recovery off local governments will speed the cleanup and return affected bridges, roads and buildings to service,” said Jubelirer.
In yesterday’s edition of The Daily News of Huntingdon, the paper reported the Governor had promised the state’s help in an interview with the newspaper on Sept. 30 during a visit to Huntingdon.
In a Oct. 20 press release from his office, Gov. Rendell said, “Because of the Commonwealth’s speedy disaster declarations, the federal government will provide the aid necessary to rebuild and restore economic and social health to the more than 20,000 victims and 2,000 communities affected by the storm,” said Governor Rendell. “The state will fully fund the 25 percent local share sparing smaller communities the tough choice between rebuilding and abandoning their communities to get Pennsylvanians back on their feet.”
According to the Governor’s release, total damage estimates from Tropical Depression Ivan are estimated to top $264 million across 54 counties declared federal disaster areas including Blair, Huntingdon and Centre counties. State flood disaster assistance will top more than $38 million with the federal government contributing about $226 million.
Governor Rendell has also sent a letter to Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation asking support for changes in existing federal law and a supplemental appropriation in support of flood repairs that fall outside of the Federal Emergency Management Agency such as hazard mitigation, stream restoration and roadway damage.
The funding package also provides a provision for the state to pay the interest on low-interest loans. After disasters such as last month’s flooding, federal aid for small businesses usually comes in the form of loans from the Small Business Administration.
The SBA recently announced more than $1 million in disaster loans had been approved for residents in the state. As of Wednesday, 28 disaster loans for $1,084,400 were approved for homeowners, renters and business owners that suffered losses as a result of flooding from Tropical Depression Ivan.
“One thing I hear from businesses is that the can not to afford to take on any additional debt,” said Jubelirer. “This will eliminate any interest payments for businesses and take some of the burden off them.”
The legislator also credited state agencies for acting quickly to aid communities hit by storms.
“Staff from the state agencies were in communities very quickly following the storms to assess damage,” said Jubelirer. “People received a lot of important information to help move through what can be a complicated process at the disaster recovery centers. This action by Governor Rendell is another step in the way the Commonwealth has reacted to this event.”
According to the senator’s press release, the state is also picking up the local funding for hazard mitigation. The Commonwealth will pay for the local share for qualified residential buyouts and for flood prevention projects.
“There are a number of people who want more than anything to move away from a dangerous situation,” said Jubelirer. “This money will help them.”
The governor’s plan also includes federal money to provide up to six months temporary employment for workers who lost jobs as a result of flooding. Workers will be paid to help with disaster recovery efforts in designated disaster areas. The funds will be distributed through the local Workforce Investment Boards.
Individuals and businesses have until Nov. 18, 2004 to apply for funds to repair or replace disaster-damaged real or personal property. Small businesses may also be eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans which provide needed working capital until normal operations resume after a disaster. Applications for those type of loans may be made until June 30, 2005.
More information about SBA assistance can be received by calling 1-800-659-2955 or for the hearing-impaired, 1-800-877-8339 or by visiting the SBA’s web site at www.sba.gov/disaster.
Earlier this week, the Federal Emergency Disaster Agency announced the deadline for registering for disaster assistance through that agency is Nov. 18, 2004.
Affected residents may contact FEMA’s toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or for the hearing or speech-impaired, TTY 1-800-621-7585.
