HARRISBURG - Several area lawmakers want the president to expand the scope of an initial federal emergency declaration covering preparations in Pennsylvania in advance of Superstorm Sandy.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey; state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp.; and state Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-120, Kingston, have written separate letters to President Barack Obama seeking federal reimbursement also for protective measures and debris removal since last Friday.
Mr. Obama issued a declaration Monday that provides "direct federal assistance" to help pay for manpower and spending on such items as mobile kitchens, chain saws, food, water and cots.
Gov. Tom Corbett's request for this preparatory federal aid includes the categories of full emergency protective measures and debris removal, but these were not included in the declaration.
Reimbursement for protective services can include the costs of placing warning devices, sandbagging and bracing or shoring up damaged structures. Debris removal covers the clearance and removal of such items as trees, wood debris, wreckage and vehicles, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Mr. Casey, Ms. Baker and Ms. Mundy made similar points in their letters.
Observing that Pennsylvania anticipated being in the bull's-eye of the massive storm, the three lawmakers noted that state officials pre-positioned supplies, equipment and response teams where it appeared they would be needed. These are all eligible expenses for federal reimbursement.
This issue is separate from potential federal recovery aid that could come to Pennsylvania. Recovery aid would become available through a presidential major disaster declaration. That would be based on damage assessments done by state and county emergency management officials.
Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com