Credit: PA Internet News Service
Gov. Tom Wolf has asked President Joe Biden to declare a major disaster for the damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida last week.
The state saw heavy rainfall, severe flash flooding, and tornadoes. Bucks County has hit hard by flooding and several tornadoes. Serious flooding along the Neshaminy Creek in Bristol Township, Hulmeville Borough, Middletown Township was reported, and a tornado touched down in Bristol Borough and Bristol Township.
Advertisements
The governor’s Wednesday request to the president and his administration includes a major disaster declaration for Individual Assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York counties; Public Assistance for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Fulton, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York counties; and for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to be made available to all 67 counties in the state.
“I am requesting a federal disaster declaration because Pennsylvanians and our communities need and deserve critical support as they recover from significant damages to their homes and public infrastructure,” Wolf said in a statement. “This storm brought historic rainfall and flooding, as well as rare tornadoes, devastating many communities. We believe we meet the federal government’s thresholds based on the damage assessments conducted so far, so this request is another necessary step in the process to recover from the impacts of this terrible storm.”
Credit: Chris English/LevittownNow.com
Bucks County Emergency Management Agency officials said they had received 350 reports of damage from residents and businesses, including 64 reports of major damage, but more is likely to be tallied.
Advertisements
The initial statewide damage estimate to public infrastructure was estimated to be $117 million, far exceeding the commonwealth’s threshold of $19.7 million, according to the governor’s office.
Bucks County officials said their preliminary total is $9.4 million.
Advertisements
Officials from the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and FEMA toured the area Wednesday inspecting damage reports, county spokesperson James O’Malley said.
Residents and business owners impacted by storm-related damage have been asked to make a report to the municipality where the damage occurred so it can be forwarded to the county. Damage can also be reported directly to the county using an online form.
Anyone experiencing homelessness as a result of the storm can contact Bucks County Housing Link for help at 1-800-810-4434.
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
