Potter County townships, boroughs and certain non-profit organizations are now eligible for financial support to help with recovery from damages incurred from the remnants of Hurricane Debby on Aug. 9-10. They can receive reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for expenses related to debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration and mitigation of disaster-damaged facilities. Local municipal officials have expressed growing concerns about the potential for additional flooding in the event of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, due to infrastructure damage that they have not yet been able to address.

FEMA said that, in general, townships or boroughs are eligible for work conducted on infrastructure that they own or have legal responsibility for maintaining. Private non-profit organizations could qualify for funding if they provide educational, utility, emergency, medical, or custodial care, including for senior citizens or individuals with disabilities, and other essential social-type services to the public.

All applicants are required to register for a mandatory online FEMA applicant briefing. They are scheduled for 9:30 am or 2 pm on Monday, Nov. 18; 10:30 am or 2 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 19; or 6 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 20. More information is available from Jonathan Skripka at 717-651-2157 or jskripka.gov.

For additional information on the Public Assistance Program, click here. Requests must be submitted through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grants Portal; available here. Potter County Department of Emergency Services continues to assist those who have been affected, providing additional information or referrals at 814-274-8900.

Meanwhile, the deadline has passed for individual assistance applications. However, in rare cases involving extraordinary circumstances, FEMA may be able to accommodate late requests. Additional information is available at 1-800-621-3362, online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or through the FEMA App on a phone. FEMA has been able to pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other needs caused by the disaster, including:

• essential items such as water, food, medical supplies, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items and fuel.
• rental assistance for hotel stays, stays with family and friends, or other options.
• repair or replacement of vehicles, appliances, room furnishings, computers, books, uniforms, tools, and other items required for school or work.
• moving and storage fees, medical expenses and child care.

Finally, U.S. Small Business Administration advises that businesses and other property owners in Potter, Tioga, Lycoming and Union counties may be eligible for both physical and economic injury disaster loans. More information is available at 1-800-659-2955