PEMA, FEMA Report Disaster Assistance Hits $3.2M

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced disaster assistance approved for residents of Bradford, Bucks, Columbia, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties affected by the heavy rain and floods that occurred April 2-3, 2005, has reached $3.2 million.

Housing Assistance for homeowners and renters totals $2.8 million. Housing Assistance may include lodging expenses, repair assistance and temporary rental assistance. Other Needs Assistance reached $413,000. Other Needs Assistance may include medical, dental, and funeral expenses; furniture, clothing and certain appliances; vehicle costs; and other eligible expenses.

The number of individuals who registered for assistance was 2,416. A total of 2,257 applications were approved. Another 1,307 sought information from mitigation specialists at Home Improvement stores on how to lessen damage to their home, business or property in event of a future flood.

Residents of the disaster-designated counties have one month left to apply for assistance. The deadline is June 13, 2005.