Governor States Ongoing Crisis Resulting from Delaware River Flooding
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell
today asked President Bush to expedite federal disaster assistance for 34
Pennsylvania counties to help speed up federal funds needed for the ongoing
response and recovery by state, local and municipal officials in the wake
of recent heavy rains and flooding that has affected most of central and
eastern Pennsylvania.
Additionally, after consultation with the Governor, The Pew Charitable
Trusts in Philadelphia has agreed to contribute $1 million to relief
efforts in the hardest-hit areas of the commonwealth.
"I commend The Pew Charitable Trusts for agreeing to provide this
assistance, which will be critical to many smaller communities affected by
the flooding. The Trusts have long been supportive of helping local
communities when they need it most," Governor Rendell said.
"This storm system devastated a large portion of the commonwealth,"
said Governor Rendell. "I am requesting that the federal government speed
up the funding it provides to help those in need recover from the effects
of the flooding. With the impending danger from more rising waters, it is
important to be proactive in responding to emergency needs that may arise.
"At this time, the primary area of search and rescue concerns is on the
Delaware River. The commonwealth is continuing to support counties with the
necessary resources to aid flood response and recovery including the
distribution of ice, water and food to those counties that request
assistance," said Governor Rendell.
Governor Rendell is requesting federal disaster assistance for the
following counties: Adams, Armstrong, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Carbon,
Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Indiana,
Jefferson, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming,
Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Philadelphia,
Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming and York
counties.
If approved by the president, the expedited assistance request means
Pennsylvania would be able to access federal funds more quickly without
completion of a detailed local damage assessment.
"The request for federal assistance was made based on information
compiled by PEMA and other state and local agencies," said PEMA Director
James R. Joseph. "While the state has issued a disaster declaration for 46
counties, based on data collected by PEMA, the 34 counties would be
eligible for the expedited assistance."
The Pennsylvania National Guard has performed more than 948 rescues,
including 13 by-helicopter rescues. The Guard has more than 1,000 personnel
on standby including 894 Army and Air Guardsmen staged at facilities in
northeastern and southeastern portions of the state. The troops are
operating under the command and control of Task Force Headquarters in
Scranton and Philadelphia. A total of 133 guardsmen are currently deployed
on missions. Additional personnel can be placed on duty to respond to
missions as they develop within a few hours. The Pennsylvania State Police
has also conducted at least 237 rescues.
At this time, there are five fatalities confirmed by the Pennsylvania
State Police and two unconfirmed.
The Public Utility Commission has been working with utility companies
throughout the state to restore electricity to approximately 8,500
residents without power. About 2,200 customers are without gas services and
nearly 5,000 customers in the Bloomsburg area are without water service,
but are receiving water aid from the commonwealth. The PUC is reminding
customers whose meters were affected by flood waters that they need to have
their meters inspected before their electric or gas can be restored.
There are at least 66 shelters currently in operation meeting the
immediate needs of nearly 2,400 Pennsylvanians.
About 20 dam safety inspectors with the Department of Environmental
Protection are in the field performing inspections, particularly in the
northeast. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources also have inspectors in the field. DEP
has confirmed one dam failure in Luzerne County -- Mountain Springs #2 Dam,
which is a low-hazard dam and does not present a threat to any downstream
communities. DEP recommends that all dam owners -- large and small --
conduct inspections as soon as it is safe to do so. DEP is also responding
to reports of fuel spills and hazardous material releases.
PennDOT reports that there are no major problems on the Interstate
highways.
Individuals needing help should call their local city or county
emergency management office as listed in the "Blue Pages" section of the
phone book. In the event of an emergency, individuals should dial 911 or
call their local police or fire department. In addition, residents should
listen to the local Emergency Alert System station for updates and follow
the direction of your local emergency management officials.
PEMA officials continue to monitor events across the state. Additional
flood safety information and weather updates can be found at
http://www.PEMA.state.pa.us.
The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out
more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly
newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT:
Kate Philips
717-783-1116
Maria A. Smith
717-651-2009
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
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Related links:
http://www.governor.state.pa.us
http://www.PEMA.state.pa.us/
CONTACT:
Kate Philips, +1-717-783-1116; Maria A.
Smith, +1-717-651-2009, both of Pennsylvania Office of the
Governor
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