PA Seeks Major Disaster Declaration From Feds Due To Coronavirus

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said Sunday he has requested a major disaster declaration from the President through the Federal Emergency Management Agency due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The declaration, if approved, will provide additional support for state, county and municipal governments and certain nonprofits, as well as individuals struggling during the outbreak.

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“The COVID-19 outbreak has taxed our commonwealth and our communities in ways that are almost incomprehensible,” said Governor Wolf. “I am calling on the President and the federal government to make available to us the assistance that will make a tangible difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors, and the dedicated public servants who are working in overdrive to support them.”

Pennsylvania already received an emergency declaration under the President’s nationwide emergency proclamation. That declaration provides reimbursement for eligible expenses for emergency protective measures.

The request for a major disaster declaration would provide the same emergency protective measures available under the nationwide emergency proclamation, including individual assistance programs, disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, disaster supplemental nutrition programs, and statewide hazard mitigation.

State officials said they do not know how quickly the President will decide on the matter.

On March 6, Gov. Wolf signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the COVID-19 outbreak, — a required step to request a federal major disaster declaration.

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