Sep. 21, 2021
HARRISBURG—Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) joined a bipartisan majority of House legislators in passing
House Resolution 139 to extend Gov. Tom Wolf’s disaster emergency after the remnants of Hurricane Ida damaged homes and businesses due to flooding rains and tornado.
“The communities of Upper Dublin and Horsham are still struggling to recover from the destruction caused by the powerful winds and rain,” Stephens said. “That’s why I pushed so hard for this extension. We need time to return to normalcy.”
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Shelby Labs (R-Bucks) after Stephens hosted the House Republican Policy Committee on Sept. 15 for a tour of Upper Dublin and Horsham, which are still recovering weeks after a tornado and torrential rain left many people homeless.
The storm dumped up to 8 inches of rain in spots, leaving 389 roads closed across the Commonwealth, and left more than 15 major interstates, highways and expressways closed. The winds brought down trees and electrical wires, severing service for thousands.
On Aug. 31, the governor declared a disaster emergency for Hurricane Ida due to its potential to cause heavy rainfall, flash flooding and other impacts throughout the Commonwealth.
“As the governor’s emergency order expired Tuesday, it is our responsibility to extend it to fully allow residents and local businesses the time to assess and apply for all the financial help they are entitled to.”
The concurrent resolution extends the emergency declaration until Oct. 27.
The resolution now moves to the Senate for a vote.
Representative Todd Stephens
151st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives