Biden OKs major disaster declaration in Pennsylvania
President Biden declared a major disaster in Pennsylvania due to heavy rains, severe flash flooding and tornadoes in the commonwealth from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.
Biden approved a request from Gov. Tom Wolf for a major disaster declaration allowing assistance to individuals for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York counties, the White House said Friday night.
“Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, lowcost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster,” the announcement said.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire commonwealth, which the Pennsylvania governor had also requested. Damage assessments continue and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be added after they are completed.
Wolf on Aug. 31 signed a proclamation of disaster emergency allowing state agencies to ready resources and respond more quickly to requests for state assistance. He said earlier in the week that damage to public infrastructure was estimated at $117 million “which far exceeds the commonwealth’s threshold of $19.7 million.”
“Pennsylvanians will now have opportunities to receive financial assistance, which will go a long way toward replacing and restoring their property,” Wolf said in a statement Friday night.
Montgomery County Commissioners Chair Val Arkoosh said in a statement, “I thank President Biden for his approval of a Major Disaster Declaration which will allow us to build back better and stronger . ... We look forward to working with FEMA and our members of Congress to ensure Montgomery County residents get the relief they need from the devastating impacts of Ida.”
“We know many of our residents are facing a long road ahead as they recover from the impacts of Ida,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr., vice chair of the commissioners. “Montco residents can now visit FEMA’s website www.disasterassistance.gov and begin the application process. The declaration allows residents in Montgomery County and any other approved county to register for direct assistance for Ida-related recovery, an essential step in getting our hardest hit communities back to a sense of normalcy.”
Individuals in Montgomery County can apply with FEMA the following ways:
Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Call the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585)
Apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
Montgomery County will announce the location of a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in the coming days. At the DRC residents can apply for aid in person, visit for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or ask questions related to their case.