Monday, October 27, 2003
Applicants can be reimbursed for repairs that have already been done.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Homeowners, renters and business owners in Lawrence and Mercer counties who had damage from last summer's storms can get some federal help.
The two counties were among 10 designated eligible for individual disaster aid by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Anyone who had damage from storms and flooding from July 21 through Sept. 12 is eligible.
The application deadline is Nov. 18 and can be made by calling (800) 621-3362 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
Sharyn Critchlow, Lawrence County's emergency management director, said PEMA and FEMA officials were in Lawrence County on Saturday to check out damage from the more than 200 complaints she received.
John Nicklin of Mercer County's EMA said his office got more than 70 reports of storm and flood damage and even more were filed with state and federal officials by individuals.
What it means
The designation means that residents of the newly declared counties may apply for a variety of aid that could include rental or home repair grants; U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans to repair or replace storm-damaged property; or awards for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs. Businesses may qualify only for SBA loans.
Applicants may be reimbursed for repairs already completed, but they should have receipts for materials or work paid for to document expenses.
Government disaster assistance to individuals covers basic needs only and will not normally replace all losses. If anyone has insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under their insurance policy. Most financial assistance will not have to be repaid.
Blair, Crawford, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, Warren and Wayne counties were recently named eligible for individual assistance.
Mercer and Lawrence counties received word in September that state and federal assistance was available for townships and boroughs that sustained storm and flood damage.