WELLSBORO – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration issuing a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth in the wake of flooding in the region Aug. 9:

“This is outstanding news for our region and the thousands of people impacted by the extreme flooding brought on by Tropical Storm Debby,” Owlett said. “I commend the Tioga County commissioners, Tioga County PA Emergency Services, dedicated first responders, business owners and citizens for making this happen by being diligent in reporting the damages they incurred to accurately demonstrate to the federal government the immense need in our communities.

“This aid will make a big difference as people look to repair and rebuild their properties. Now I will be turning my full attention to enacting policies that will allow us to better manage our creeks and streams to protect our citizens and communities from such intense flooding events in the future.”

The disaster declaration issued late Wednesday afternoon applies to Tioga County, as well as Lycoming, Potter and Union counties. The declaration means residents who suffered damage during the flooding will be eligible for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program provides direct benefits to homeowners and renters to assist with uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs because of the disaster. The program can help with temporary rentals, lodging reimbursement, home repairs and replacement, as well as some personal property, medical, and dental expenses incurred due to the flooding.

FEMA will be working with state emergency management officials to open Disaster Recovery Centers in the four-county region in the near future. The centers will be staffed to assist residents with documentation reviews to help expedite applications for assistance.