WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter to President Obama in support of Pennsylvania’s request for a major disaster declaration for the state. Many communities in the Commonwealth were severely damaged by storms in April.
“Citizens and municipalities endured this hardship without seeking federal assistance,” Senator Casey wrote. “As a result, the municipalities depleted their budgets and are unable to repair roads and bridges and municipal water and sewage treatment systems. These communities have endured significant hardship and remain in need of federal support.”
Governor Tom Corbett is seeking public assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Wyoming Counties and is urging the agency to consider all 67 counties in Pennsylvania for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
FEMA aid would help qualified entities defray costs for disaster-related emergency services, debris removal and repairs in the affected communities.
A copy of Senator Casey’s letter is below.
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to support Governor Tom Corbett’s request for a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania due to severe thunderstorms, heavy rains, and widespread flooding that occurred between April 25-28, 2011. I urge that the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide public assistance for Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga, and Wyoming counties and that all 67 counties within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania be considered for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
In April 2011, the affected communities in Pennsylvania experienced unprecedented weather patterns which resulted in record rainfall and continuous flooding. Citizens and municipalities endured this hardship without seeking federal assistance. As a result, the municipalities depleted their budgets and are unable to repair roads and bridges and municipal water and sewage treatment systems. These communities have endured significant hardship and remain in need of federal support.
These events have had a profound impact on the economy of the counties in question and the Commonwealth as a whole. I urge you to move expeditiously to make this disaster declaration and provide much needed assistance to these affected communities.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
