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Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) urged President Obama to grant a major disaster declaration for Pennsylvania in the wake of severe storms that began on June 26. Fourteen of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties were severely affected, and several more saw extensive damages caused by widespread flooding, high winds, multiple tornado touchdowns, and severe thunderstorms.

“Given the extent of the damage that occurred, it is critically important to provide relief for those communities that are still struggling in the wake of these devastating storms,” said Senator Casey. “Recovering from the damage will take time, but providing additional resources to the Commonwealth will help to accelerate recovery efforts.”

Senator Casey’s letter to the Administration supports the Commonwealth’s request for a major disaster declaration for Pennsylvania. Public Assistance for Categories A through G was specifically requested for Allegheny, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Fayette, Huntingdon, Jefferson, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Schuylkill, Venango, Wayne, and Washington counties. 

The text of the letter to President Obama can be found below:

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001

Dear Mr. President:

I write in support of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s request for a major disaster declaration in the wake of damage caused by widespread flooding, high winds, multiple tornado touchdowns, and severe thunderstorms that began when a large storm system moved through the Commonwealth beginning on June 26, 2013.  Fourteen of the Commonwealth’s sixty-seven counties were severely affected, and several more saw extensive damages.

Hundreds of Pennsylvanians were displaced from their homes and took shelter in Red Cross aid stations across the Commonwealth.  There have been at least two deaths associated with the storm, as well as many hospitalizations for concerns ranging from severe carbon monoxide poisoning to injuries sustained during rescue operations.  Hundreds of homes have either been destroyed or experienced major damage.  Schools, hospitals, and other civic buildings have been damaged, in some cases significantly, and road closures have negatively affected commerce and transportation in many of the disaster areas.

The Commonwealth has specifically requested Public Assistance for Categories A through G for Allegheny, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Fayette, Huntingdon, Jefferson, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Schuylkill, Venango, Wayne, and Washington counties.  Furthermore, the Commonwealth has requested that all counties in Pennsylvania be considered for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Given the extent of the damage, it certainly appears that a federal disaster declaration is warranted.  It is critically important to provide relief for those who are struggling in the wake of these storms.  I look forward to continuing to work with you to help Pennsylvanians recover from these devastating storms.

Sincerely,

Robert P. Casey, Jr.

United States Senator

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