SHAMOKIN - A state and federal disaster recovery center is operational in Shamokin, and area property owners impacted by Tropical Storm Lee are urged to pay a visit.
The center offers flood victims face-to-face guidance in applying for federal aid, and even those who show up with a blank form will get help in filling it out.
It also allows them to meet with representatives of six state agencies, providing services from administering tetanus shots to obtaining copies of vital documents, including vehicle titles and salvage certificates, birth certificates and welfare and medical benefits paperwork.
For those with private wells, water testing kits are also available.
And while it will help property owners move toward a sense of normalcy, emergency assistance offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency won't replace all damages incurred.
"What people have to understand is that going through FEMA is only for assistance and is not meant to replace insurance," said Steve Reiner, Northumberland County's acting director of public safety, while visiting the disaster recovery center Saturday at Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Eighth and Arch streets.
Mike Sweet, FEMA public information officer, agreed and added, "It won't put you back to the way it was before because the agency is not designed for that." In fact, Sweet said FEMA representatives encourage visitors to the disaster recovery center to look into purchasing flood insurance if they're not already covered.
Tropical Storm Lee passed through the area nearly three weeks ago, causing Shamokin Creek to overflow in parts of the city's First, Fourth and Fifth wards, as well as in Coal Township, including parts of Ranshaw and Tharptown.
The storm also caused severe flash flooding and the overflow of creeks throughout Northumberland County, which, along with 18 other Pennsylvania counties, was declared a disaster area Sept. 13 by President Obama. On Saturday, FEMA announced seven more counties were added to the declaration, raising the total to 26.
Housing a priority
The top priority since, Sweet said, is to get those displaced by the storm into proper housing, a sentiment echoed by other FEMA officials in the days since flooding began.
On average, he said, it will take about five days for a flood victim to receive rental assistance, which is good for as long as 18 months.
For those whose properties were condemned as a result of the storm, Sweet said they can request a buyout through municipal officials, who in turn will send the process up through the state and federal disaster agencies.
Fair market value will be offered for any home approved for a buyout.
"It is not a quick buyout," Sweet said, saying it could take, on average, two years for a property owner to receive a check when approved.
Grant funding and low-interest loans, both of which are administered by the Small Business Administration, are available to cover losses of essential items - appliances, beds, food, for example - and emergency repairs to homes and businesses.
Grants, loans available
Sweet said those approved for grant funding, which is available to low-income applicants, are eligible for up to $30,200, which includes rental assistance. This funding can come as quick as seven to 10 days, but could be delayed if proper paperwork, such as SBA loan applications, are not submitted in a timely manner.
For those deemed financially sound enough to repay a disaster loan and are declared ineligible for grant funding, an appeal process exists. However, if a disaster loan is a flood victim's option, they are eligible to apply for a variety of loans, including home, business and economic disaster.
Home loans are financed between 2.5 percent and 5 percent and are limited to $200,000, along with up to $40,000 to repair and replace personal property.
Business loans are financed between 3 percent and 3.25 percent and are limited to $2,000,000, which can be used to replace machinery, inventory and real estate and other physical losses. Economic disaster loans are available up to the same amount and are financed at 4 percent.
Business loan interest rates for nonprofit organizations are lower.
These SBA loan applications must be filled out and returned, even if a property owner does not wish to take out a loan, in order for federal financial assistance to be processed, FEMA officials have said.
If approved, property owners may also receive additional funds for disaster mitigation improvements such as retaining walls and the purchase of sump pumps.
The president's disaster declaration marked the beginning of the 60-day window to seek assistance.
The disaster recovery center, which is open to anyone living in any of the counties designated a disaster area, will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week for the immediate future; no date has been set for its closure. However, it will likely close as it receives less and less visitors.
State departments with representatives on site are PennDOT, health, welfare, community and economic development, emergency management and environmental protection.
Individuals and business owners seeking federal disaster assistance may also register by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) to file a claim. Claims may also be filed online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.