FEMA Approves $1.7 Million For Pittston Sewer Repair
Release Date: August 22, 2007
Release Number: R3-07-024
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that more than $1.7 million was approved to reimburse the City of Pittston for permanent repairs to its ruptured storm sewer line.
Severe storms and heavy rains caused significant damage to infrastructure and public facilities in eight Pennsylvania counties last November, resulting in a presidential disaster declaration on February 23, 2007.
"This public assistance grant will ease the city's financial burden and allow it to ensure the public's safety by restoring the structural integrity of the storm sewer," said Jonathan Sarubbi, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III.
FEMA will pay $1,768,156 - 75 percent of the project costs, which total $2,357,542. The Commonwealth or local applicants will provide non-federal funds to pay the remaining 25 percent.
The storm sewer runs through the Pittston Central Business District. The ruptured section, which is a six-foot diameter stone arch structure, resulted in damage to adjacent buildings that house rental properties, a medical laboratory and a parking lot.
Through the Public Assistance (PA) grant program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster assistance for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly-owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit organizations. The federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. The grantee (usually the state) determines how the non-federal share (up to 25 percent) is split with the sub grantees (eligible applicant).
The PA program is based on a partnership among FEMA, state, and local officials. FEMA is responsible for managing the program, approving grants, and providing technical assistance to the state and applicants.
The state educates potential applicants, works with FEMA to manage the program, and is responsible for implementing and monitoring the grants awarded under the program. Local officials are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants, and managing the project funded under the PA program.
Additional PA information is available at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 28-Aug-2007 09:10:18