HARRISBURG – Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union counties are encouraged to apply for federal assistance, according to State Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming).
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal aid has been made available to these affected and surrounding areas and ordered federal aid to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Lee beginning on September 3, 2011 and continuing.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured or underinsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties within the commonwealth.
“Several areas of my Senate District suffered major devastation as a result of last week’s flooding,” said Yaw. “Right now the most important thing is that those who need help, get it. My office stands ready to assist in any way possible,” Yaw added. “I continue to tour many of the communities impacted and I see our first responders doing an amazing job. Many of these communities are coming together. Together, we will get through this.”
Those applying for assistance can register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll free numbers will operate from 7 AM to 10 PM (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
Yaw will continue to have emergency updates and local travel information posted on his website at www.senatorgeneyaw.com.
Residents of Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union counties can also contact Yaw’s Williamsport Office at 1-800-443-5772 or his Harrisburg Office at 717-787-3280. *Please note – Senator Yaw’s Towanda Office remains closed due to flooding.
Contact: Arnie Kriner
570-322-6457