Boroughs and municipalities begin public assistance process

The first step in the process to help communities rebuild their infrastructure after the flood has begun.

A briefing was held yesterday afternoon at Schuylkill Haven High School for boroughs, municipalities and other organizations to provide information about the help available to them, following Tuesday's public declaration from the President of the United States.

Representatives from FEMA and PEMA conducted the briefing for about 80 persons. John Matz, Operations and Training Officer for Schuylkill County's EMA said that about 60 different entities have already submitted information about infrastructure damage to FEMA already.

Individual meetings begin today at the county office of public safety, with representatives from state and federal agencies to help expedite the process so money can begin flowing, and repair and replacement work to get underway.

Communities can still apply for public assistance by contacting Schuylkill County EMA.

75 percent of the funding comes from the federal government, with the remaining portion to be covered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.