FEMA has approved nearly $28 million for disaster recovery and hazard-mitigation projects across five Mid-Atlantic states, with most of the money supporting repairs and cleanup in Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
The package includes $26.5 million through Public Assistance and more than $1.2 million through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Recovery awards cover utilities and debris removal
The Pepper's Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority in Virginia will receive more than $4.6 million to repair pump-station damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will receive more than $3.2 million for debris removal after severe winter storms from Feb. 10 through Feb. 18, 2025.
In West Virginia, more than $1.1 million will go to the City of Mullens Sanitary Board to repair a wastewater facility damaged during a Feb. 15-18, 2025, severe storm.
PennDOT will receive $817,936 to repair a Potter County waterline damaged by Tropical Storm Debby. FEMA said Public Assistance also reimburses public-building repairs, road work and emergency measures taken to protect health and safety.
Public Assistance money is distributed through the states to local communities for identified recovery needs. The four examples in the announcement span wastewater service, transportation cleanup and drinking-water infrastructure damaged by hurricanes, winter storms and a tropical storm.
Mitigation money targets flood-prone properties
West Virginia will receive more than $500,000 to acquire and demolish five flood-prone properties in West Hamlin. A separate award of more than $350,000 will fund acquisition and demolition of two flood-prone properties in Kanawha County.
Delaware will receive more than $135,000 for the Bethany Beach Canal Loop Study, which is intended to improve understanding of flooding in the area.
FEMA said Hazard Mitigation Grant Program money can support acquisitions, building standards, flood protection, safe rooms and infrastructure improvements. The agency coordinates those projects with state officials as communities work to reduce future disaster losses.
Property acquisition and demolition remove repeatedly exposed structures from flood-prone areas, while the Delaware study is intended to provide information for future flood-reduction decisions. FEMA said the overall package combines reimbursement for completed disaster work with projects aimed at lowering the cost and damage of later events.
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