A total of $1.2 million has been directed by the Bucks County Commissioners to assist people displaced from their homes in the wake of last week’s flash flooding in the lower end.
The three commissioners voted to restate the disaster declaration and allot the $1.2 million from federal COVID-19 funds to the Bucks Emergency Rental Assistance (BERA) program. The relief funds will be administered through the Bucks County Opportunity Council and Bucks County YWCA.
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Prior to assistance from the BERA program, the American Red Cross was providing short-term housing at local hotels for families displaced by the flooding in Bensalem Township, Bristol Borough, and Bristol Township.
Bucks County Housing Link is running the program and those seeking assistance can visit buckshousinglink.org or call 1-800-810-4434.
“The Red Cross vouchers will run out very soon, if they haven’t already,” said county Chief Operating Officer Margie McKevitt. “These two agencies will assist folks in hotels, either short term or long term, and also with relocation assistance and rental assistance.”
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County officials said they estimate as many as 400 people were displaced by the flooding. Overall, there have been 1,100 reports of damage across the area.
The county aid comes as state and federal aid has not yet materialized and is uncertain as damage assessments are still ongoing.
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Bucks County Emergency Management Agency Director Audrey Kenny said officials from Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency will be touring the damage in the area Thursday.
Kenny told LevittownNow.com it appears the U.S. Small Business Administration will be able to offer low-interest disaster recovery loans for renters, homeowners, and business owners impacted by the flooding. She said details will be announced when they are confirmed.
Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf said his administration was asking the federal government for assistance, but the damage was in such a confined area it may not meet the criteria for FEMA disaster aid.
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Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick declined to comment last week on whether he had been talking with federal disaster officials. However, the congressman has toured the damaged areas.
Residents and business owners who suffered flooding damage have been asked to report it to their municipality. Below are the contact numbers:
- Bensalem Township – 215-633-3741
- Bristol Borough – 215-788-3828 ext. 12
- Bristol Township – 267-812-2938
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Officials have encouraged residents to take photos of the damage, keep documents, and save receipts.
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