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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2009
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Federal Flooding Aid Requested for Allegheny, Westmoreland Counties 

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania has requested that President Barack Obama authorize federal disaster aid that will help families and businesses in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties recover from a series of devastating storms that moved through the region last month, according to Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny).  

Both counties were declared a disaster following the flooding.   

If approved, the disaster aid will enable state, county and municipal governments to respond to the damage and help families and businesses recover and rebuild their lives.  

The disaster proclamation, which is the official declaration document, authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary, to deal with this emergency.  The time-consuming bid and contract procedures normally prescribed by law are waived for the duration of the proclamation. 

A preliminary damage assessment was conducted in the two counties prior to the letter requesting federal disaster relief. The storm’s estimated costs are expected to grow as assessments continue and repairs and restorations begin.   

The state’s Emergency Operations Center in Harrisburg was activated to coordinate response to support the areas affected by the storm systems.  Orie said the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has maintained communications and continues to work with the affected counties, state, federal and local agencies and non-governmental entities involved in this disaster. 

More information on disaster assistance in Pennsylvania is available at www.pema.state.pa.us; click on "Disaster Assistance and Updates" in the left-hand column.

CONTACT:

Mike Sarfert
(717) 787-6538