Fetterman Secures $14.62 Million for Tropical Storm Relief in Pennsylvania
Senator John Fetterman announced $14.62 million in federal disaster recovery funds for counties in north central Pennsylvania affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The funding is part of the CDBG-DR program, aimed at addressing recovery needs and improving future storm preparedness. This initiative has received acknowledgment from local officials who continue to face the challenges of rebuilding efforts.
United States Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has announced a significant allocation of $14.62 million in federal disaster recovery funds aimed at aiding north central Pennsylvania, specifically Potter, Elk, and Cameron counties, in their recovery from Tropical Storm Debby. This financial assistance is provided through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, authorized by the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025, and seeks to address unmet recovery needs following the catastrophic events of the storm that struck in 2024.
In a statement, Senator Fetterman expressed his commitment to supporting affected communities, stating, “Families in north central Pennsylvania have been through hell since Hurricane Debby, with homes destroyed and lives uprooted. Places like Tioga, Lycoming, Union, and Potter counties — these aren’t areas that get a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean they don’t matter.” The allocated funds will not only facilitate recovery but also include a 15% designation for mitigation efforts to enhance future preparedness against storms.
The CDBG-DR funding eligibility encompasses several counties, including Potter, Elk, Cameron, Tioga, Lycoming, Union, Clearfield, Indiana, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, and Sullivan. This announcement has been met with gratitude from local officials; Potter County commissioners acknowledged the ongoing challenges in recovering from the disaster, emphasizing the need for continued support to repair essential infrastructure and assist families still trying to regain stability.
In addition to the impact in Pennsylvania, the heavy rains from Tropical Storm Debby have also adversely affected southeastern Allegany County and Steuben County in New York. Local officials in these areas are currently awaiting updates regarding potential federal relief through disaster declarations, highlighting the wider repercussions of this severe weather event across state lines.
The announcement by Senator Fetterman regarding federal disaster relief funding is a response to the significant impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, which resulted in widespread destruction across several counties in north central Pennsylvania. The CDBG-DR program aims to assist municipalities in recovering from such climate-related disasters, providing necessary resources for rebuilding and future preparedness. The continued support and funding underscore the ongoing challenges faced by local governments and residents affected by such events.
The allocation of $14.62 million in disaster relief funds by Senator Fetterman represents a crucial step towards aiding communities in north central Pennsylvania recovering from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Debby. The funding focuses on both immediate recovery needs and preparing these areas for future disasters. Local officials have highlighted the importance of this support as they navigate the significant challenges ahead in rebuilding their communities and restoring normalcy.
Original Source: www.oleantimesherald.com
