Fetterman Secures $14.62 Million for Tropical Storm Recovery in Pennsylvania

Senator John Fetterman announced $14.62 million in federal disaster recovery funding for north central Pennsylvania counties affected by Tropical Storm Debby. This funding, part of the CDBG-DR program, addresses unmet recovery needs and includes support for future disaster preparedness measures. Local officials commend the funding but highlight ongoing challenges for recovery and infrastructure repair.

U.S. Senator John Fetterman, representing Pennsylvania, has announced a significant allocation of $14.62 million in federal disaster recovery funding aimed at assisting counties in north central Pennsylvania—specifically Potter, Elk, and Cameron—affected by Tropical Storm Debby. This funding, awarded through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, was authorized under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025 and is intended to satisfy unmet recovery needs and to enhance mitigation efforts following the catastrophic storm of 2024.

Senator Fetterman emphasized the devastating impact of the storm on families in north central Pennsylvania, stating, “Families in north central Pennsylvania have been through hell since Hurricane Debby, with homes destroyed and lives uprooted.” He highlighted the lesser-known areas that also require attention, assuring that this funding will provide crucial support for numerous communities endeavoring to rebuild and prepare for future challenges.

The allocation includes provisions ensuring that 15% of the funds will prioritize mitigation efforts. This strategy aims to enhance preparedness for possible future storms while simultaneously facilitating recovery initiatives such as infrastructure repair, family support for those displaced, and overall disaster mitigation. Counties qualifying for the CDBG-DR funding encompass Potter, Elk, Cameron, Tioga, Lycoming, Union, Clearfield, Indiana, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, and Sullivan.

In a collective statement, the Potter County commissioners expressed appreciation for the relief efforts to address the urgent needs of those impacted by the flooding. They acknowledged that while immediate needs were met through various agencies, significant challenges persist as local governments seek to repair damaged infrastructure and assist families still reeling from the disaster’s effects.

The severe rainfall caused by Tropical Storm Debby also affected parts of southeastern Allegany County and Steuben County. County and municipal officials are currently awaiting federal relief updates through disaster declarations for New York counties following the consequences of the tropical storm.

The announcement regarding the relief funds stems from the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Debby, which heavily impacted various counties in Pennsylvania in 2024. Such disasters often require extensive recovery efforts to restore infrastructure and support affected families. The funding is part of a larger federal effort to provide ongoing support to regions that frequently contend with natural disasters, ensuring communities rebuild effectively and are better prepared for future events.

Senator John Fetterman’s announcement of $14.62 million in federal disaster relief funding marks a critical step towards recovery for north central Pennsylvania counties devastated by Tropical Storm Debby. This funding aims to support reconstruction efforts and enhance the communities’ preparedness for future natural disasters. Local officials recognize the ongoing challenges that families and townships face in the aftermath of the storm, underscoring the importance of continued federal and communal support.

Original Source: www.oleantimesherald.com