Disaster Funds Ordered For Pennsylvania Storm Recovery 

Release Date: August 23, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-169

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Washington, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster funds have been made available to help communities in western Pennsylvania recover from the effects of tornadoes and other extreme weather that struck the area last month.

Michael D. Brown, FEMA Director and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at Homeland Security, said President Bush authorized the aid under a major disaster declaration issued today following a review of FEMA's analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to public property from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began on July 21.

Immediately after the declaration, Brown designated the counties of Crawford, Forest, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren eligible for federal funding to pay affected local governments 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and the repair or replacement of damaged public facilities.

Brown said the declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that more counties and additional forms of aid may be designated later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Thomas Davies of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal relief effort. Davies said that procedures for requesting assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected area.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizens Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Saturday, 23-Aug-2003 18:13:48