Gov. Wolf asks for federal disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Isaias

Oct. 6--Gov. Tom Wolf has asked President Trump to declare a major disaster for nine counties, including Berks, in the wake of devastating flooding caused by Tropical Storm Isaias in early August, the governor's office announced Monday.

"My request includes not only public assistance for governments to pay costs associated with its response and repairs," Wolf said, "but also individual assistance for homeowners who need federal assistance to help them on their path to recovery."

Isaias inundated Berks County with a record 3.07 inches of rain on Aug. 4, according to measurements taken at Reading Regional Airport.

In its wake, creeks spilled over their banks, flooding lowland areas in Kutztown and the townships of Exeter, Muhlenberg, Ruscombmanor, Maxatawny and Greenwich.

Strong winds toppled trees onto utility lines, disrupting power to an estimated 30,000 Met-Ed customers at the storm's height.

The governor's request also includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties.

The damage assessment and validation processes, which are for the first time being conducted virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, are ongoing and Wolf has the option of adding other counties.

A major disaster declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency would provide federal funding to local, county and state governments, as well as certain eligible non-profits in those counties.

If the request is approved, applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the costs incurred on eligible expenses, such as costs associated with paying overtime, repairs to damaged infrastructure, equipment rentals and materials.

In order to request public assistance, the state must meet a threshold of $19.7 million. Estimated costs associated with this storm total more than $27.6 million.

An individual assistance declaration could make available to citizens a variety of programs to assist in their recovery needs. More detailed information is available on the FEMA website.

Meeting the threshold and making the request are not a guarantee of funding. It is not known when the president would make a decision to grant or deny disaster assistance.

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