Gov. Tom Wolf requests President Trump declare Tropical Storm Isaias was a disaster for Lehigh Valley, neighboring counties

Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday requested the president declare a major disaster for the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas so they can receive federal funding to help recover from damage caused by Tropical Storm Isaias in August.

The other counties are Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe, Montgomery and Philadelphia.

The roughly 5 inches of rain dumped Aug. 4 by Tropical Storm Isaias inundated the Lehigh Valley with floods that stranded drivers, filled basements and forced the evacuations of homes and apartments.

An Allentown woman was killed when her vehicle was swept away by floodwaters near Laurel Run in Upper Saucon Township.

A major disaster declaration would allow Federal Emergency Management Agency money to go to local, county and state governments and eligible nonprofits. Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75% of the costs incurred on eligible expenses, such as emergency response overtime, infrastructure repairs, equipment rentals and materials.

Wolf said he is especially wants to see help for homeowners.

The state suffered estimated costs of more than $27.6 million, more than the threshold to request FEMA aid. Still, that’s not a guarantee of funding.

It is not known when the president will make a decision on the disaster declaration.

Morning Call reporter Andrew Scott can be reached at 610-820-6508 or [email protected].

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