WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright expressed his deep disappointment with FEMA's decision to reject Gov. Josh Shapiro's request for help following the destructive flooding in Northeast Pennsylvania on Sept. 9-10, 2023, due to severe storms.
“I personally witnessed the devastation and deadly impact of these storms,” stated Cartwright, D-Moosic. “I believe our communities should receive federal assistance. FEMA’s criteria for determining aid are clearly flawed and need to be reassessed.”
Cartwright shared the letter sent to Gov. Shapiro, informing the governor of the agency’s denial.
“This is in response to your January 20, 2024, appeal for a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a result of severe storms and flooding during the period of September 9-10, 2023,” wrote FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “You specifically appealed the denial of your request for Public Assistance for Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming Counties.
“After a thorough review of all the information contained in your initial request and appeal, we reaffirm our original findings that the impact from this event is not of the severity and magnitude that warrants a major disaster declaration.
“Therefore, I must inform you that your appeal for a major disaster declaration is denied.”
PEMA director responds
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield issued a response to FEMA’s denial of the appeal.
“When a disaster hits, the Commonwealth uses every available resource to help Pennsylvanians,” Padfield said. “That’s why Gov. Shapiro worked with Lackawanna County to establish a multi-agency resource center for impacted Pennsylvanians, secured low-interest loans for small businesses, sought a major disaster declaration from the federal government, and then appealed the initial denial for the disaster declaration.”
Padfield expressed disappointment that FEMA denied a major disaster declaration, but assured that the Shapiro Administration is dedicated to collaborating with local and federal partners to secure additional funding and assist the victims of the September 2023 flooding.
Padfield continued to highlight the ongoing efforts of the Shapiro Administration in helping impacted communities since the flooding:
• Collaborating with Lackawanna County to establish a multi-agency resource coordinating center with various Commonwealth agencies and volunteer groups in Lackawanna County to aid around 300 survivors in getting back on their feet.
• Requesting and receiving a Small Business Administration disaster declaration, which provided low-interest loans for eligible disaster survivors and economic loss payments to affected businesses.
• Assisting with grant availability through the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Establishing an Inter-agency Recovery Coordination Group to pursue additional funding.
