Disaster Aid, Loans for Pennsylvanians Near $11.5 Million
Berks, Montgomery Public Projects Reach $6.6 Million
Release Date: August 10, 2001
Release Number: 1383-20
» More Information on Pennsylvania Tropical Storm Allison
Warminster, PA -- Federal and state disaster assistance programs have disbursed nearly $11.5 million to homeowners, renters and business owners in Berks, Bucks and Montgomery counties affected by flooding from Tropical Storm Allison in June.
President Bush's June 21 disaster declaration designated individual assistance for Bucks and Montgomery counties. Berks County was added for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (infrastructure) programs on July 6, the same day Public Assistance was made available in Montgomery County. The deadline for individuals to apply is Monday, Aug. 20.
Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of approving nearly $5 million in funding for infrastructure repairs and replacement, and eligible disaster-related emergency services in Berks and Montgomery counties. The federal share is 75 percent of the $6.6 million total project cost submitted thus far, with 22 percent provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the remaining 3 percent by municipal or other sources.
The largest single commitment - $3.4 million in federal funding - is to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to replace the R5 commuter railroad bridge over Sandy Run Creek in Fort Washington, Montgomery County.
To date, the disaster recovery figures break out as follows:
- More than $3.4 million in disaster housing grants. FEMA already has sent checks to 1,670 households for short-term rental needs and minimal home repairs.
Disaster housing grants by county: Berks 128 $195,719 Bucks 307 $673,246 Montgomery 1,235 $2,565,368 Total 1,670 $3,434,333
- $744,136 for 295 grants from the Individual and Family Grant Program. This program, funded 75 percent by FEMA and 25 percent by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, makes grants for serious needs not met by other disaster programs.
Individual and family grants by county: Berks 18 $16,484 Bucks 45 $141,247 Montgomery 232 $586,405 Total 295 $744,136
- Nearly $7.3 million for 282 disaster loans. Under a disaster declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) makes loans for homeowners and renters, as well as businesses of all sizes. Of the total, 257 loans for $6,348,500 are to homeowners and 25 loans for $934,500 to businesses.
SBA loans by type and by county: Loans to individuals Loans to businesses Berks 9 $149,800 2 $22,900 Bucks 71 $1,790,600 2 $200,700 Montgomery 177 $4,408,100 21 $710,900 Total 257 $6,348,500 25 $934,500
- Nearly $5 million in federal funding is anticipated for $6.6 million in public projects. Under the Presidential disaster declaration, Public Assistance funding was authorized for Berks and Montgomery counties. Eligible applicants include local governments, state agencies and certain private non profit organizations with facilities in the designated counties. Project worksheets are still being submitted and the numbers are not final.
To date, Public Assistance project worksheets submitted include: PWs Estimated total Federal share Berks 19 $1,214,497 $910,872 Montgomery 60 $701,222 $525,916 Statewide/other 5 $4,699,571 $3,524,678 Total 84 $6,615,290 $4,961,466
Please note: Individuals who have not yet registered for disaster assistance can call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-462-9029 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applicants with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. A toll-free Helpline number - 1-800-525-0321 - is available for applicants who have registered and have questions or want to check on the status of their application.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Oct-2003 08:56:03