FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         Contact: Gretchen M. Wintermantel
Friday, Feb. 23, 2007                                                              202-225-6511

Kanjorski Applauds Bush's Disaster Declaration

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today applauded the Bush Administration's decision to issue a federal disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and specific counties - including Lackawanna and Luzerne - that experienced torrential rain, severe storms and heavy flooding in November but were initially denied federal help. The Preliminary Damage Assessment was determined to be too low, but subsequent assessments showed that the damage was nearly $15.1 million in eight counties, about $200,000 more than the $14.9 million threshold required for federal aid.

"I am pleased that the Bush Administration today made this disaster declaration because it allows the release of much-needed federal funding for areas of our state that experienced heavy storm damage in November. I especially thank Governor Ed Rendell for his persistence in seeking this federal aid for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," Congressman Kanjorski said. "I also applaud our county emergency management officials, who worked closely with the governor's office and representatives of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, to ensure that they accurately assessed the amount of damage. This is a great example of local, state and federal officials working together to maximize the amount of government help available for the people who need it most."

        
Today's declaration authorizes Public Assistance to state and local governments and certain private nonprofits organizations in seven counties, including Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Public Assistance can help fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction or replacement of a public facility or infrastructure destroyed by a natural disaster. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available for the entire Commonwealth. Through this grant program, the federal government provides funding assistance for prevention from damage due to natural hazards. Under this program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency can contribute up to 75 percent of the cost of eligible mitigation measures. Eligible mitigation procedures can cover both public and private property, but it must be cost-effective and benefit the disaster area.

Congressman Kanjorski urged President Bush to issue a disaster declaration in December and again in January when Gov. Rendell appealed the President's decision.

President Bush on Dec. 29 refused to issue a presidential disaster declaration for the eight counties, thus eliminating the possibility for money from FEMA. Gov. Rendell then appealed the decision on Jan. 25.