Westmoreland Co. declares disaster emergency after heavy rains, flooding

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. — Westmoreland County officials declared a disaster emergency Wednesday after the cost of damage related to persistent rainfall and flooding rose into the millions of dollars.

The declaration allows the county to seek state and federal financial assistance.

"Multiple locations ... around Westmoreland County (have) roadways that have caved in, collapsed, or whatever due to the extensive rainfall," said Bud Mertz, public safety director for Westmoreland County.

Roadway damage in North Huntingdon, South Huntingdon, Rostraver and Upper Burrell townships due to flooding has hit nearly $1.5 million, the declaration said.

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Mertz told Channel 11 the damage and destruction can be felt across the whole county, but the number far exceeds what any local municipality budgets are capable of coping with.

"Reaching that $1.4 million mark that we needed qualified Westmoreland County to apply for a federal disaster," Mertz said. "It continues to get worse."

Officials noted a “continuous historic weather system” from Feb. 15 to April 20 has affected people, property and infrastructure across the county.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will help alleviate that burden.

Public safety officials from the county are encouraging all residents to sign up for a new mass notification system called Code Red.

Cox Media Group