Funding Denied: Clinton County Storm Aid Rejected, Future Plans in Motion
By Emily Wright
CLINTON COUNTY— Residents of Clinton County received disappointing news from the Department of Emergency Services (DES) on Friday, October 4, 2024, as it was announced that the county does not qualify for disaster funding following the severe storm and flooding that occurred on August 29. This development comes despite hopes that external aid would be forthcoming to support recovery efforts.
According to the Clinton County Department of Emergency Services and the County Government, representatives from the Small Business Association (SBA) Disaster team and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) assessed the damage on September 20. Their survey concluded that the extent of the damage did not meet the threshold required to trigger the SBA’s disaster relief program.
The criteria for this determination are based on different factors according to the DES. “This determination is calculated by a formula that involves a total of residences that received ‘major’ damage according to their definition. It also factors in who may be underinsured or have no insurance,” said the DES in a Facebook post on Friday morning.
The county DES expressed gratitude for residents’ cooperation in submitting damage reports following the storm. Although no disaster assistance will be provided in the short term, county officials are committed to addressing the damage caused by the storm on August 29. The department announced plans to collaborate with local municipalities, PEMA, and other agencies to explore potential long-term solutions to the water-related issues that emerged during the storm.
