FR 2024-28598

This document, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), amends a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The original declaration was issued on September 11, 2024, following a significant disaster event. The key update in this notice is the inclusion of additional counties eligible for federal Public Assistance and other types of disaster relief.

General Summary

The amendment adds several counties—Cambria, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Indiana, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming—to the list that can receive Public Assistance. Public Assistance usually covers repairs and funding for public infrastructure. Moreover, three counties (Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga) are now eligible for Public Assistance in addition to previously being designated for Individual Assistance, which supports personal disaster recovery needs. Furthermore, the notice highlights that all regions within Pennsylvania can benefit from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which focuses on reducing future disaster risks. The document also contains a list of Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) for reporting and fund management.

Issues and Concerns

One notable issue is the lack of context about the nature of the disaster, which leaves readers guessing why these particular areas were affected or prioritized. Transparency would benefit from an explanation as to the process by which these counties qualified for assistance and whether this decision was based on an equitable and consistent assessment.

The document lists various CFDA numbers intended for different types of disaster relief, yet it does not elucidate what these numbers mean or the specific programs they represent. This lack of detail can be confusing for stakeholders or residents trying to understand what types of assistance may be available to them.

Additionally, there is no detailed account of how funds will be allocated or the oversight that will ensure their effective use. This uncertainty could raise concerns about potential mismanagement or inefficient utilization of public resources.

Public Impact

For the broader public, especially those residing in the affected counties, this notice signifies an opportunity for recovery aid and infrastructure rebuilding. Public funds will be available to help state and local governments repair public facilities, roads, and bridges, which can accelerate community recovery and resilience.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

State and local governments in the newly included counties will likely experience relief from the financial burdens associated with disaster recovery. Access to federal funding enables them to restore essential services and infrastructure more rapidly than relying solely on local resources. However, these entities must navigate federal reporting requirements and guidelines efficiently to make use of available aid.

Residents in Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga Counties, already qualifying for Individual Assistance, can expect additional support for community infrastructure, which could enhance the overall pace and effectiveness of recovery efforts.

Conclusion

Overall, while the amendment expands aid availability in Pennsylvania, there is a call for more transparency in the selection process and clarity in communicating how various assistance programs operate. By providing a clearer breakdown of processes and criteria for assistance, FEMA could ensure more public confidence and engagement with these critical recovery initiatives.