Credit: Bristol Township Fire Rescue
President Joe Biden approved Gov. Tom Wolf’s request for a declaration of a major disaster Friday.
The declaration will allow federal aid to flow into the state in the wake of the remnants of Hurricane Ida last week.
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The approved major disaster declaration allows for Individual Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York counties and for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for all 67 counties in the state.
Wolf’s office said Friday evening that they will be working with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), FEMA, and county governments to open a number of disaster recovery centers that will be staffed to assist residents.
“Pennsylvanians continue to recover from this deadly storm, which is why my administration made it a top priority to quickly seek federal assistance,” Wolf said in a statement. “I’m grateful our president has responded swiftly, and the federal government worked with state and local officials to conduct damage assessments and determined that Pennsylvanians are deserving of this critical federal aid. Pennsylvanians will now have opportunities to receive financial assistance, which will go a long way toward replacing and restoring their property.”
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PEMA Director Randy Padfield thanked FEMA officials for working with state and local officials to assess damages.
“I urge everyone affected by this historic storm to continue to document all damages and costs incurred with cleanup so that you’re ready to apply for and receive financial support,” Padfield 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.
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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.
Ida brought heavy rainfall, severe flash flooding, and tornadoes to the Keystone State. Bucks County was 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.
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Wolf made his request to the president on Wednesday.
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