Senators will announce flood aid package

BILL O ’ BOYLE

boboyle@timesleader.com

HARRISBURG – Five state senators will unveil a comprehensive legislative package in response to the devastating effects of flooding caused by tropical storms Irene and Lee.

Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, John Yudichak, D-Plymouth Township, John Blake, D-Archbald, John Gordner, R-Berwick, and Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, will announce the proposals during a 2 p.m. news conference Monday in the State Capitol Media Center.

“From day one of the battle against Irene and Lee, senators -- regardless of political party or municipal boundaries -- have come together to provide much-needed relief to flood victims in northeastern and central Pennsylvania,” Yudichak said. “Research has quickly been done to develop a legislative package that will establish valuable resources to recovery efforts for homeowners, businesses and municipalities heavily impacted by flooding.”

Yudichak said the package generally will provide financial assistance, tax breaks and infrastructure funding to lift up the communities along the Susquehanna River that have been battered by flooding.

“I am proud of the united front my Senate colleagues have exhibited, and the resolve they have shown to get much needed aid to the families hardest hit by this natural disaster,” Yudichak said.

Baker said she has been touring the flood region for days, and she sees the need for new legislation.

“Since the storm damage, power outages and flooding occurred,” Baker said, “I have gone to hard-hit communities in several counties to see the extent of the damage and to talk to residents and local officials about what sort of assistance will be needed for recovery efforts.”

She said with floodwaters having reached record levels in some areas, existing federal and state programs may not provide enough help.

“There is a bipartisan commitment to deal with this emergency,” Baker said. “My committee chairmanship provides the opportunity to launch what could be key pieces of a flood relief package. The widespread damage dictates that we act quickly. The tough economic times dictate that we act wisely.”