Pa. opens disaster-relief centers in northeast, central regions

Pennsylvania is opening seven recovery centers throughout central and northeastern in regions pummeled by the heavy rains and historic flooding from remnants of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

The centers will allow residents to take up their assistance requests with either federal or state agencies.

Gov. Tom Corbett says the Federal Emergency Management Agency will staff the centers to help register people for aid while state agencies such as PennDOT and the department of Public Welfare can deal with coincidentals of flood damage.

“People can go in and say, you know, I lost my driver’s license. I need assistance, I need to sign up, I lost my home, whatever,” Corbett said. “Under federal regulation, an individual can get up to $30,200 dollars because of this storm, if they have the damage.”

The governor urged those who suffered flooding to bring proof of that damage–either with photos or sales receipts.

Corbett said federal assistance can come in the form of direct grants as well as loans. He said his office is still in the process of requesting federal aid for state and local governments devastated by flooding.

The centers are located in Wyoming, Bradford, Luzerne, Dauphin, Lycoming, Sullivan and Columbia counties.

Meanwhile, those in the eastern part of the state who were hit hard by Hurricane Irene may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties are among those considered to be disaster areas.

To register by phone, call 1-800-621-FEMA. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov.