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. Under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policies, disaster declarations can include separate qualification criteria for individual assistance and repairs to public infrastructure. Federal 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 flood victims 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.

On September 11, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania triggering the release of Federal funds to help people recover from Tropical Storm Debby that occurred August 9-10, 2024. Details of the disaster declaration and assistance programs are as follows: 

Declaration Number:                                                              FEMA-4815-DR

Incident:                                                                                  Tropical Storm Debby

Incident Period:                                                                      August 9-10, 2024

Federal Coordinating Officer:                                                Mark K. O’Hanlon

National FCO Program

Individual Assistance (IA):                                                     (Assistance to individuals and households):

IA-Designated Counties:                                                        Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union Counties.

OTHER:                                                                                      additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Individuals in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union Counties can apply with FEMA the following ways:

• Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Constituents may call the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).

PEMA’s Central Area Office is preparing for a FEMA/PEMA Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment for Public Assistance that would begin on Monday, Sept. 16.  That process should be completed by Friday, Sept. 20. PEMA is also sending two assessment teams to cover Potter, Tioga, and Lycoming counties.  It’s possible that FEMA will be simultaneously setting up Disaster Recovery Centers and Disaster Loan Outreach Centers.