Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday sent a letter to President Trump requesting federal disaster aid for Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Northumberland, Pike, Wayne and Montour counties to help offset the financial burden of a record-breaking snowstorm that crippled much of the northeastern part of the state in March.
“This snow storm required the resources of all state and local snow removal capabilities, including state and local road crews and equipment, and countless hours of staff time to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the public and property. The closure and slowing of mass transit then caused a ripple effect in the lack of access to critical facilities,” Gov. Wolf said. “The severity and magnitude of this storm stretched our commonwealth resources well beyond their limits, which is why supplemental federal assistance is now necessary.”
The major disaster declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency would provide federal funding to local, county and state governments, as well as certain eligible non-profits in those counties through the Public Assistance program.
Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the costs incurred on eligible expenses for the eligible 48-hour time period. Eligible expenses can include but is not limited to: costs associated with paying overtime, repairs to damaged infrastructure, equipment rentals and materials.
The overall total costs associated with this request, as validated by the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment conducted by the state and federal emergency management agencies are $7.2 million.
Click Here for a copy of the letter and additional background.
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