Fetterman Announces $14.62 Million Relief Funding for Storm-Damaged Counties in Pennsylvania

Senator John Fetterman has announced a $14.62 million federal disaster recovery funding allocation for north central Pennsylvania, including Potter, Elk, and Cameron counties, in response to Tropical Storm Debby. The funding aims to address unmet recovery needs and includes provisions for mitigation efforts to prepare communities for future storms. Local officials express appreciation for the support but recognize ongoing challenges in recovery.

U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has announced the allocation of $14.62 million in federal disaster recovery funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist north central Pennsylvania, particularly Potter, Elk, and Cameron counties, in recovering from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby. This funding, sourced from the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, was authorized under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025, aimed at addressing unmet recovery needs in severely impacted areas.

Senator Fetterman expressed sympathy for families affected by Hurricane Debby, stating, “Families in north central Pennsylvania have been through hell since Hurricane Debby, with homes destroyed and lives uprooted.” He emphasized the importance of supporting these often-overlooked regions, assuring that nearly $15 million in federal support would aid in rebuilding and preparing for future storms.

The funding comprises a 15% allocation dedicated to mitigation efforts, with goals to enhance community readiness for future storms while simultaneously repairing damaged infrastructure and homes. The eligible counties for the CDBG-DR funding extend to Potter, Elk, Cameron, Tioga, Lycoming, Union, Clearfield, Indiana, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, and Sullivan.

Potter County commissioners, Nancy Grupp, Paul W. Heimel, and Robert Rossman, acknowledged the relief efforts thus far, stating, “We appreciate all the efforts that have been made to bring relief to victims of the devastating flooding.” They highlighted the continuing challenges in repairing infrastructure and supporting families as they recover from the flooding.

Furthermore, the impact of Tropical Storm Debby extended to southeastern Allegany County and Steuben County, with officials in those areas still awaiting the announcement of federal aid following disaster declarations in New York. Assessments of the damage and the required assistance continue in the affected regions.

The announcement regarding the disaster relief funds follows the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Debby, which significantly impacted various counties in Pennsylvania. The appropriated funds are crucial to support recovery efforts and will facilitate essential repairs and mitigation strategies for future natural disasters. The U.S. federal government has allocated these funds to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary assistance to rebuild and enhance their resilience against future storms.

Senator Fetterman’s announcement of $14.62 million in federal disaster recovery funding represents a vital step in assisting north central Pennsylvania recover from Tropical Storm Debby. The funding will address both immediate recovery needs and long-term mitigation efforts to improve community preparedness for future disasters. While local officials express gratitude for ongoing relief, they acknowledge that substantial challenges remain in the recovery process.

Original Source: www.oleantimesherald.com