Daley seeks aid
CALIFORNIA – The state is being asked to step in and provide assistance to the individuals, businesses and communities affected by flash flooding Thursday in California, Charleroi and Twilight boroughs as well as in Fallowfield Township. State Rep. Peter J. Daley, D-California, requested the assistance from Gov. Mark Schweiker in a letter Friday. In the letter Daley noted that a storm producing more than two inches of rain an hour affected 40 homes, 10 business, roads, bridges and infrastructure, with damages in excess of $3 million. An estimated four to five inches of rain fell on the area. Daley said the damages are more costly than the communities can handle.
“Even with the damages from Thursday’s storm, we won’t qualify for federal assistance. That is exactly why we need a state system in place for disasters such as this,” Daley said.
Daley has sponsored legislation in the past that would create a PENNCrisis Fund to assist the victims of small disasters. The legislation was passed by the House, but not by the state Senate.
“The situation in my district now is the classic example of why the state needs something like the PENNCrisis Fund,” Daley said. This is when we need the state to step up and help the smaller communities.”
Daley said the fund, as he envisioned it, would provide low-interest loans and grants to homeowners and businesses affected by disasters.
Daley said he is hopeful that the governor will respond positively to his letter.