Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday thanked state workers helping Fayette County responders and residents meet the challenges that resulted from serious flooding primarily in Connellsville City, Connellsville Township, and Bullskin Township.

PA Emergency Management Director Richard D. Flinn Jr. Monday traveled to Connellsville and began meeting with state and local agencies, community organizations and residents in order to assess the damage and any needs for state resources.

“Director Flinn and his team are on the ground working to ensure we are doing all we can to help residents, local agencies and these communities recover from flooding and related damage,” Gov, Wolf said. “We thank the people of Fayette County for their strong community support for one another and the many local officials working tirelessly to keep people safe.”

PEMA has been on the ground working with the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency, led by County Emergency Management Director Roy Shipley, since Monday morning.

PEMA and Fayette County have conducted preliminary damage assessments to determine the impact of the flooding and determine eligibility for a possible U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration.

The SBA declaration would make low-interest loans available to eligible homeowners, renters and business owners.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and the commonwealth stands ready to supply resources as requested by local responders,” Director Flinn said. “I have seen firsthand how the leaders and residents here in Fayette County are working together to respond and recover from this unfortunate act of Mother Nature, and we are proud to be here to assist them.”

PEMA is currently coordinating with state agencies, including the Departments of Transportation, Environmental Protection, and Health, to assess the need for additional resources, including road and bridge repair, emergency permits and health and safety supplies.

Multiple volunteer organizations are coordinating disaster relief service. The Red Cross has established hotline number for residents at 724-438-2567.

Connellsville Community Ministries are collecting donations to support citizens that have been affected by flooding.

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month.  Visit the ReadyPA website and learn how you can help yourself and your family during an emergency.

NewsClips:

Fayette Flood Damage Estimated In Millions

AP: Flood Leaves More Than 50 Families Homeless In PA

Strong Storms Flood Roads, Leave 1,000s Without Power

Pittsburgh To Repair Washington Blvd Floodgate

Pittsburgh Mayor Lays Out Plan To Ease Flood Hazard

AP: Connellsville Imposes Emergency, Curfew Due To Flooding

Anxiety Persists In West Pittston 5 Years After Flooding

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9/5/2016