***Thompson Announces Information on Pennsylvania’s Federal Disaster Declaration***
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today lauded the Federal disaster declaration for Pennsylvania to help communities recover from Tropical Storm Lee. The federal declaration triggers the release of Federal funds to help individuals recover from the storm’s historic flooding, beginning September 3, 2011, and continuing.
“With communities devastated from these floods, assistance will enable municipalities to repair flood-damaged facilities and assist in ongoing recovery operations,” said Thompson. “We’ve witnessed unparalleled destruction of infrastructure and homes, and I will continue to be animate in my support to ensure the affected communities receive the federal assistance they need and deserve.”
The federal disaster declaration makes funding available to affected individuals in 19 counties, including Lycoming. Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured or underinsured property losses, and other programs to assist individuals and businesses recover from their losses.
“I strongly encourage anyone impacted by the flooding to report damage as quickly as possible, so that our local, state and federal authorities can continue damage evaluation and recovery support,” Thompson added. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
Thompson on September 8, 2011, joined members of the Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation in a letter to President Obama, urging him to support Governor Tom Corbett’s request for a federal disaster declaration.
Additional Disaster Relief Resources:
If you need any additional assistance or information, please contact Thompson’s Bellefonte office at (814)-353-0215.