WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Arlen Specter (D-PA) today urged President Obama to reconsider the decision to not provide funding to four counties in Pennsylvania that were affected by a major storm system and subsequent flooding in June. Earlier this summer, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied a request made by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell for federal assistance on behalf of the affected counties. The Senators urged the President to reconsider the Governor’s appeal.
“Federal assistance must be provided to the victims of flooding in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Casey. “Many individuals and business owners are in desperate need of federal funds to help them get back on their feet.”
“The June storms caused major damage throughout Pennsylvania and I urge the President to reconsider providing federal assistance to the individuals and business owners affected by the flood,” said Senator Specter.
The June storm system affected Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie and York counties. Flooding from the storm system destroyed several homes and severely damaged businesses, roads, bridges and other essential community infrastructures.
The full text of the letter is below:
August 18, 2009
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell recently requested an appeal for a declaration disaster for a single storm system in June that impacted Western Pennsylvania. After further investigation, this single storm system had a wider scope than originally declared, impacting not only Allegheny and Westmoreland County, but Erie and York counties as well.
Following further inspections by local and federal officials, the damages impacting critical facilitates and infrastructure exceed the $16,088, 180.74 capita threshold in public assistance categories in these Pennsylvania counties. Our offices heard from many individuals and business owners in desperate need of federal aid to reestablish themselves as viable members of the community.
We write to request that you promptly review and approve Governor Rendell’s appeal for federal assistance for the four counties in Western Pennsylvania as quickly as possible.
Thank you in advance for considering this request. We appreciate your agency’s prompt response to Pennsylvania’s concerns. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of the Governor’s request. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Senator Bob Casey at 202-224-6324 and Senator Arlen Specter at 202-224-4254.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
Arlen Specter
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