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For Immediate
Release
11/16/11
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Bi-Partisan Flood Relief Package
Clears Senate
(HARRISBURG) - The Senate of Pennsylvania today approved a bi-partisan, eight bill package designed to
provide relief to those affected by heavy flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee
and Hurricane Irene. Legislation authored by Senators John R. Gordner
(R-Columbia), Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), John P. Blake (D-Lackawanna), Gene Yaw
(R-Lycoming) and John T. Yudichak (D-Luzerne) was introduced in September,
shortly after the devastating floods.
"Regardless of political party or
municipal boundaries, the flooding affected our entire region, and we steadily
worked together to bring these bills to votes in a responsible manner so that we
can provide financial assistance, infrastructure funding and tax breaks to those
who were impacted by this disaster," said Senator Gordner.
"As the flood clean-up continues, it is evident that
existing programs are not enough to help individuals, families and businesses
who lost everything," said Senator Baker. "In the business district of
Shickshinny, only two of 26 businesses are fully operational weeks after the
flooding. These bills will help close the gap left after private insurance and
federal aid have been exhausted, and support flood-damaged communities, families
and businesses as they struggle to rebuild after the double-hit of two historic
natural disasters."
"The devastation caused by Irene and Lee are still being
felt today and will be for a very long time," said Senator Yaw. "These bills, if
approved by the House and signed by the Governor, will go a long way to aiding
in the recovery effort, but more will need to be done, including a change in
policy on the state level for the dredging and cleaning of streams and
permitting procedures."
The legislation approved by the Senate included:
Senate Bill 1264 by Senator Baker to provide for supplemental state
assistance to those who have exhausted federal flood benefits and qualify under
income eligibility guidelines.
Senate Bill 1266 by Senator Gordner to authorize the borrowing of $150
million for flood-related highway, bridge and rail rehabilitation projects, as
well as flood control and disaster mitigation projects.
Senate Bill 1267 by Senator Blake to provide for real estate tax abatement
for properties substantially damaged by flooding.
Senate Bill 1268 by Senator Gordner authorizing a county-by-county list of
highways damaged by the flood that require repair and rehabilitation.
Senate Bill 1269 by Senator Yaw authorizing a county-by-county list of
bridges and rail facilities damaged by the flood that require repair and
rehabilitation.
Senate Bill 1271 by Senator Yudichak authorizing a county-by-county list of
flood control and disaster mitigation projects.
Senate Bill 1297 by Senator Baker establishing a low-interest loan program
for small businesses damaged by flooding.
Senate Bill 1323 by Senator Yaw to provide interest rate assistance and loan
guarantees to assist farmers in recovering from the natural disasters.
The legislation now
moves to the House of Representatives for consideration, where members have
introduced companion bills to the Senate package.
"We intend to get this legislative package to the
Governor's desk in December, so that we can complement the federal government in
providing relief that is so important to our communities," said Senator
Gordner.
CONTACT:
Todd B. Roup
(717)787-8928
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