State lawmakers are asking the governor to sign a disaster declaration following Monday’s severe rain event.
State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, a Republican from Bensalem Township; State Rep. K.C. Tomlinson, a Republican from Bensalem Township; State Rep. Tina Davis, a Democrat from Bristol Township; and State Rep. John Galloway, a Democrat from Falls Township, jointly sent the letter Tuesday afternoon to Gov. Tom Wolf seeking the declaration for Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, and Bensalem Township.
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The three towns were hardest hit by the storm that dumped 8 to 10 inches of rain over the area in the matter of a few hours. Serious flooding was reported and numerous residents were rescued by firefighters in boats.
“This massive storm completely overwhelmed our communities. The constant downpour resulted in the flooding of our neighborhoods, touching not only our roads and businesses, but also destroying the homes, cars, and property of our constituents,” the lawmakers said in their request of the governor.
The governor signing the declaration would allow additional ease in using state resources. It could also open the door to federal involvement.
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Officials from the municipalities, the county, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) have been on the ground throughout Tuesday evaluating the damage.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s office tweeted that he was in communication with local, state, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials.
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Bristol Borough and Bristol Township have declared their own disaster emergencies.
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