Pennsylvania Governor Says Arsons Warrant Disaster Aid

Gov. Ed Rendell is trying to get federal disaster assistance for an arson-plagued area of southeastern Pennsylvania.

Rendell is seeking a federal disaster declaration for Coatesville and Chester County. The area 35 miles west of Philadelphia has been hit with more than sixty arsons in the last year, including one fatal fire.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency says the damage well exceeds federal Small Business Administration criteria of at least 25 homes or businesses with uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of their estimated fair market value.

If the SBA declares a disaster area it could make low interest loans available to help with recovery. Qualified renters and homeowners could get loans of up to $40,000 for replacement of lost possessions. Eligible homeowners could get up to $200,000 repair and replacement loans.
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Information from: Daily Local News