DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for 21 counties following severe storms across the Commonwealth.
Adams, Cumberland and Dauphin Counties were included in the disaster emergency proclamation.
The disaster declaration was issued for counties that were under flash flood warnings and experienced heavy rain. It allows the Commonwealth to draw down funding quickly and to provide state agencies with the resources needed to assist counties and municipalities as they begin recovery efforts.
Additional counties may be added to the declaration as damage assessments are completed.
“To expedite resources and cut through the red tape, I issued a disaster declaration in response to the severe storms and flooding all across Pennsylvania, allowing the Commonwealth to move quickly to fulfill county requests for assistance,” said Governor Shapiro. “My Administration is in regular contact with federal and local leaders and is working hand in hand with our emergency management partners to understand where help is needed and to get appropriate resources there as quickly as possible. My Administration is going to continue to monitor this storm system and will provide regular updates through PEMA as we transition from response to recovery.”
On Wednesday, 45 members and support personnel from Pennsylvania-Task Force 1 deployed to North Carolina to support our neighbors with response operations in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby. PA-Task Force 1 was demobilized in North Carolina earlier Friday and is in the process of returning to Pennsylvania.
Shapiro's proclamation makes $2 million of state funds immediately available to assist with the initial response and authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary.
The proclamation also cuts red tape, waiving bidding and contracting procedures, as well as other formalities normally prescribed by law. Per the constitutional amendment approved in 2021, this proclamation will remain in place for 21 days, unless extended by the General Assembly.
