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Motion expressing the Sense of Council of Allegheny County urging President Bush and the Federal Government to increase the amount of funding for disaster relief in Allegheny County and throughout the nation, to provide additional services and money in the form of grants and no-interest loans to the people and businesses in the disaster areas that have lost property and have seen their homes and businesses damaged or destroyed.
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WHEREAS, on September 17, 2004, Allegheny County received six inches of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan that caused flash flooding throughout the region, damaging the homes and businesses of thousands of residents; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County was designated as a disaster area by President Bush on September 19, 2004, allowing its residents and businesses to become eligible for federal disaster relief through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); however, such disaster relief is capped at $5,100 in grants and $20,000 in low-interest loans for individuals and households and businesses are only eligible for low-interest loans (no grants) through the Small Business Administration; and
WHEREAS, with just two-thirds of municipalities in the County reporting damages assessment figures show that 8,891 single family homes, 742 multi-family homes, 76 mobile homes, 1,100 businesses, four schools, and 51 public buildings (including nine fire departments) were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ivan, suggesting significant damages and needs throughout the region that the current level of disaster relief from the Federal government is insufficient.
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, AND IT IS THE SENSE OF THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, that this Body urges President Bush and the Federal Government to increase the amount of funding for disaster relief in Allegheny County and throughout the nation, by providing services and additional money in the form of grants and no-interest loans to the people and busin...
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