Potter County Today

In response to a bipartisan effort to help those affected by flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Debby on Aug. 9-10, President Joe Biden on Wednesday granted a Major Disaster Declaration, triggering the release of federal funds. It was the result of an inventory of damage to personal and public property compiled by township, borough, county and state agencies with volunteer assistance, all kicking off even before the waters had receded. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coordinating Officer Mark K. O’Hanlon pointed out that the declaration allows for financial assistance to affected individuals and households in Potter, Tioga, Union and Lycoming counties. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has established a website through which they can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov. They also may call the flood relief application hotline 1-800-621-3362.

Meanwhile, Randy Padfield, director of the Pa. Emergency Management Agency, said that PEMA is prepared to move quickly in response to the federal declaration. This could include deployment of a team to process damage claims in affected communities and establishment of disaster recovery centers, some of which could be mobile units traveling across flood-ravaged areas.

Seven members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation from districts affected by the flood signed on to an appeal spearheaded by U.S. Senator Robert Casey asking President Biden to issue the declaration. Congressman Glenn Thompson and Senator John Fetterman also supported the request. Earlier, a state disaster declaration provided an initial $5 million to deploy resources and personnel to the flood zone. The proclamation also waives some state regulations, including certain bidding and contracting procedures. PEMA is instructing residents and business owners to continue to report flood damage to their local township or borough.

Entering Harrison Valley on Rt. 49 after remnants of Hurricane Debby caused flooding.