Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Bucks County is included in Gov. Tom Wolf’s request to President Donald Trump that he declare a major disaster due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Isaias in early August.
In addition to Bucks County, Wolf asked the president that Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties be declared a major disaster area through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The designation, if approved, would provide federal funding to local, county, and state government. Some eligible nonprofits could also seek assistance.
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“My request today includes not only Public Assistance for government to pay for costs associated with its response and repairs, but also Individual Assistance for homeowners who need federal assistance to help them on their path to recovery,” said Wolf. “The damage assessment and validation processes, which are for the first time being conducted virtually due to the pandemic, are ongoing and I have the option of adding other counties as we learn more.”
“If the request is approved, applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the costs incurred on eligible expenses, such as but not limited to costs associated with paying overtime, repairs to damaged infrastructure, equipment rentals and materials,” a statement from the governor’s office said.
The tropical storm caused significant damage throughout Bucks County, including a tornado and close to 28,000 customers losing power in the Levittown area.
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Federal public assistance request come only after states meet a damage threshold of $19,688,687. As of Monday, the state estimates the cost associated with Tropical Storm Isaias will be more than $27.6 million, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Communication Director Ruth Miller said the estimated cost to Bucks County governments was a little over $933,000.
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