State offering buyouts for flood victims

BY KATIE SULLIVAN

Times-Shamrock Writer

SusquehannaCountyresidents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the summer’s floods have until Thursday to submit information for a possible acquisition and demolition buyout administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, individuals who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee exceeding 50 percent of the fair market value of their home and property are eligible to apply. People whose homes are uninhabitable and are living in other accommodations also are eligible, according to a news release from the Susquehanna County Emergency Management Agency.

However; applications are submitted by townships or boroughs and passed along to county government on behalf of the individual or family, said EMA Director Charlene Moser.

“Right now, we’re just in a gathering information stage,” she said, adding people should submit their names, addresses and approximate value of their homes by Thursday to begin the application process.

After the county receives the municipality’s request, a letter of intent is filed with PEMA. If it is determined the letter of request meets eligibility standards, the county will be able to move forward with grant applications.

SusquehannaCountyacquired 13 properties after flooding in 2006, Moser said, adding she expects six to 10 to be eligible this time around.

The goal of the program is to reduce future flood claims by discouraging people from building homes in a flood-prone area.

“It is the municipality’s property,” Moser said. “It must remain open space, and no permanent structures can ever be built on that property again.”

Deadline Dec. 14

The deadline to apply for aid for damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee has been extended to Dec. 3. Renters, homeowners and business owners can register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by phone or online. Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit www.disasterassistance.gov.