Latest news with #PEMA
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvanians impacted by May flooding now eligible for state grants, SBA disaster loans
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Homeowners, renters, and small businesses impacted by the May 13 flooding in Somerset County and surrounding areas can now apply for state grants and federal disaster loans following a new declaration approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The financial relief, secured by Governor Josh Shapiro, includes low-interest SBA disaster loans of up to $500,000 for home repairs and $2 million for businesses to replace or repair damaged property. In addition, income-eligible homeowners and renters may apply for Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP) grants through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Federal and state officials say the disaster aid covers Somerset County and contiguous counties including Bedford, Cambria, Fayette and Westmoreland. Nearby counties in Maryland, Allegany and Garrett, also qualify for SBA loans. Beginning Monday, May 26, a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) will open at the Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department to offer in-person assistance. The DLOC, which operates through June 9, will help residents apply for SBA loans and DRAP grants. The SBA loan program includes funds to replace personal property and mitigate future storm damage. Loan terms may extend up to 30 years depending on financial circumstances. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are also available to eligible small businesses and nonprofits affected by financial loss due to the disaster. PEMA officials say DRAP grants target lower-income residents who lack adequate insurance or access to other forms of recovery aid. The program launches Tuesday, May 27. State leaders, including PEMA Director Randy Padfield and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, recently visited Somerset County to assess the damage. Repairs are already underway on the flood-damaged U.S. 219 bridge over Piney Creek in Boynton, which typically carries 4,700 vehicles daily. More information is available at To apply online, visit Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@ for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Somerset County residents visit resource center to find relief from flood damage
MEYERSDALE, Pa. (WTAJ) — Somerset County residents visited the Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department to learn about resources from state agencies for flood damage relief. The social hall turned multi-agency resource center (MARC) had multiple state departments providing options to help residents who have dealt with flooded basements and soaked lawns. Spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, along with help from the Somerset County EMA, residents found some answers for the costly cleanup that can take weeks. 'It allows them to come in, ask those questions from our state insurance department, from PEMA and from other agencies that can help them maybe get back on their feet and begin the recovery process,' Larry West, the Deputy Director of PEMA, said. Some residents wanted to get an assessment of the damage they had on their property. Resident Sue Polenski had nearly eight inches of water in her basement, along with parts of her backyard fence pried out of the ground and off the backer rails. 'I'm just hoping that being single, I can find somebody who can help me to get rid of this debris and perhaps repair my fence for me,' Polenski said. 'I'd be very happy.' The center is also waiting for loans from the Small Business Administration after Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a request for them to help Somerset County. While the loans are yet to be approved, nonprofit organizations stepped in to provide the area with immediate essentials. 'Whether it's clothing and needs or food, whatever might be, they do a tremendous job, within these communities, to get those folks back up on their feet,' West added. West also applauded the effort made by both the community and the county EMA when the flood waters rushed into town last week. 'Somerset County has really done a great job there,' West said. 'The EMA and the county commissioners have done a great job organizing this MARC here.' 'Everybody's rallying together and helping each other and everybody's friendly and kind to each other,' Poleski added. 'And that's what we need more of all this time.' The center, located at 202 Main St. in Meyersdale, is open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Providence leaders sound alarm over ‘jam-packed' summer next year with World Cup
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Though the 2026 World Cup is expected to generate tourism and revenue in Southern New England next summer, some city leaders are warning about the level of planning that needs to be done in Providence. 'We need to be as prepared as we can be for this event, but also taking account what is already a jam-packed calendar between June and July,' Department of Art, Culture and Tourism director Joe Wilson Jr. said last week. The international soccer tournament will be played in 16 host cities, including Boston. Seven games will be held at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro from June 13 to July 9 and include a quarterfinal matchup. At the same time, Providence will also be hosting events related to the Semiquincentennial, plus Pride, Juneteeth, the Day of Portugal Festival and Puerto Rican Bay Fest. 'Our cultural festivals cannot come at the expense of a lack of capacity at that time,' Wilson said. In last Thursday's meeting of Providence City Council's Committee on Finance, where the ACT department's proposed budget was under review, Wilson told Councilwoman Sue AnderBois that the department was working closely with the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) in anticipation of an influx of visitors. Separately, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is beginning to meet on a monthly basis in preparation for the matches. Wilson said in addition to planning for an enjoyable visitor experience, the city needs to be prepared for potential quality of life issues related to transportation, parking and more. 'I'm from New Orleans,' Wilson said. 'When we had the Super Bowl, we're not out in the French Quarter. We stay home. There could be a very similar effect here.' Wilson also expressed concerns with how much guidance the state and city has received from FIFA. 'FIFA's a mess,' Wilson told the committee. 'We're getting some information as Boston is trying to get their situation together, as far as their activation. We as a city… we're kind of herding cats.' PEMA has already presented its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1, and asked for $250,000 in discretionary funding to earmark for public safety related costs due to the World Cup. 'There's a tremendous amount of uncertainty right now in the planning and preparation for this,' PEMA Director Clara Decerbo said in a finance committee meeting last month. 'One thing we know for sure is we're going to have to be taking steps in this next fiscal year in preparation because games start on June 11.' Mayor Brett Smiley's proposed $624 million budget is still being vetted by the finance committee. RELATED: Providence mayor seeks to raise fines for parking, pet violations On Tuesday, the committee will hear from the Department of Public Works, which is slated to move into a new complex sometime next year. The committee will also discuss a slew of proposed fines related to parking or animal violations, plus fees related to permits and licenses. Separately, the panel will also consider voting on a resolution that would authorize the city to enter into a $56 million, five-year contract with Waste Management of Rhode Island. The committee will hear budget proposals from several departments on Wednesday, including the Department of People and Culture, Office of Sustainability, Law Department, Department of Public Property and Department of Purchasing. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
02-05-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
Following Powerful Pennsylvania Storms, T‑Mobile Teams on the Ground Providing Support
A powerful storm system swept across Pennsylvania overnight, bringing damaging winds with speeds over 80 mph, large hail and heavy rainfall. The severe weather caused widespread power outages that are affecting nearly half a million residents, particularly in the Pittsburgh area, and utility providers are working now to restore those areas. Network Update T-Mobile's network in the Pittsburgh area has overlapping coverage, pre-installed backup power at key sites and redundant backhaul routes that are helping to maintain connectivity in the area. Also, our AI-powered Self-Organizing Network (SON) continues to dynamically reroute traffic and optimize performance in real-time to preserve connectivity wherever possible. However, in places where commercial power is down and towers cannot operate as a result of that, some areas have had minor service impacts. Where needed, our network engineering crews are deploying portable generators, refueling generators and deploying SatCOLTs (Satellite Cell on Light Trucks) and additional equipment. First Responder & Agency Support T-Mobile is actively coordinating with first responders and local and state agencies, including the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Emergency Operations Centers for Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh, and power providers including Duquesne Light Company to address urgent and ongoing needs. We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as the situation evolves. Please visit T-Mobile Emergency Response. Follow @TMobileNews on X for the latest updates. Stay safe, Pittsburgh. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from T-Mobile International AG
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
T-Mobile customers report issues with service after strong storms in Pittsburgh area
T-Mobile customers have reported issues with their cell phone and internet service after severe storms moved through the Pittsburgh region. People in several counties, including Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland, posted on social media reporting issues with their T-Mobile service. shows hundreds of people reported problems starting after the storms rolled through Wednesday evening. Channel 11 reached out to T-Mobile to ask about the reported issues: 'We have some impact in the area and our network engineering crews are on the ground starting early this morning doing reconnaissance missions and deploying additional portable generators where needed to help restore service that is affected by commercial power outages. We have overlapping coverage in the area, back-up power sources already installed at key network sites and redundant backhaul routes for cell sites and core network to help maintain coverage." A spokesperson also added that they have SatCOLTS -- large trucks that operate as rolling cell towers -- ready to quickly deploy to help support communities and first responders. T-Mobile said it's working with PEMA, Allegheny County Emergency Operations Center, the City of Pittsburgh and power companies including Duquesne Light to address priority restoration needs. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
