PENNSYLVANIA — The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is providing an additional public hearing that is open to all affected by Hurricane Ida. Held by Acting Secretary Neil Weaver, as well as State Senator Amanda Cappelletti, this important hearing will take place on Thursday, January 12th in Norristown, Montgomery County. As part of this meeting, attendees will have a chance to review the Action Plan proposed by DCED for federal disaster funding and also provide comments. This grants residents and businesses impacted the opportunity to voice their concerns during the funding process. It’s important to bring attention to the needs of those affected by catastrophic events like Hurricane Ida, so don’t miss out on this chance to help make a difference!
“I encourage any residents or businesses impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021 to attend this important hearing,” said Acting Secretary Weaver. “It will provide an opportunity for individuals to fully review the Action Plan that DCED will be submitting to the federal government and also provide opportunities for public comment.”
Following disaster declarations by Governor Tom Wolf and President Joe Biden due to the effects of Hurricane Ida in 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated a total of $25.1 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to DCED to assist in rebuilding and recovering from the damage. HUD has mandated that at least $18,521,600 of the CDBG-DR funds must be spent in Delaware and Montgomery counties, which have been identified as the most impacted and distressed areas. Bedford, Bucks, Chester, and York counties are also eligible for funding.
DCED is required to submit an Action Plan to HUD detailing how these funds are to be used. The plan must include the criteria for eligibility, and how the use of the funds will address long-term recovery and restoration of infrastructure and housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas.
To access the plan and learn more about the CDBG-DR funds, visit the DCED website.
Public Hearing Details
The public hearing will be held Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, 2 West Lafayette Street, Norristown, PA 19401.
- Persons with a disability or Limited English Proficiency who wish to participate in the public hearing should contact David Grey at dgrey@pa.gov, 717-214-5341 or TDD at 717-346-0308
- Individuals who are unable to attend in person can join the meeting virtually.
DCED is also seeking public comment through a comment form on its website.
For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website.
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