Pa. FEMA Public Assistance Hits $21.5 Million

State, county and local governments and certain non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania who suffered losses and damages as a result of flooding from Tropical Storm Ivan in September to date, have received $21.5 million in public assistance funds, according to figures from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program is one way federal assistance flows to the state, and then county and local governments. It provides disaster grant assistance for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit organizations.

While these grants are aimed at helping restore funds spent on emergency services, debris removal, and infrastructure restoration for these governments, the goal is to help a community and all its citizens recover from devastating natural disasters.

The Federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures, debris removal and permanent restoration. The Commonwealth has agreed to pay the 25% non-Federal share.