Murphy Calls on FEMA, PEMA to Assist Local Flood-Damaged Communities

After touring local areas affected by July 10 thunderstorms and severe flooding, Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) is calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to help aid those affected.

Murphy said in a statement released this week that FEMA and PEMA have organized Preliminary Damage Assessment teams to review whether the impacted towns will qualify for public assistance.

In a letter sent to FEMA administrator Craig Fugate on July 23, Murphy asked that the agency quickly complete its analysis of damage in Southwestern Pennsylvania communities, including Bridgeville, Castle Shannon, Cecil, Scott Township, Upper St. Clair and others.

“Thanks to the swift response of local policemen, volunteer firefighters, and emergency personnel, no lives were lost during this catastrophe. In the immediate aftermath, hundreds of volunteers came together to help the affected towns and families clean up quickly, but significant work remains,” Murphy said in the letter.

Murphy and members of the Pittsburgh District of the Army Corp of Engineers toured the Bridgeville area on July 14 to evaluate damage and determine what resources are needed, as well as how best to move forward to prevent flood damage in the future.

In Bridgeville Borough alone, nearly 100 homes, 36 businesses, and First Baptist Church were seriously damaged by flooding from McLaughlin Run.