'It was heartbreaking.' Gov. Shapiro promises help after touring flood-ravaged Westfield

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Wednesday got a first-hand look at devastation wrought in northern Tioga County last month by the remnants of Hurricane Debby , and promised local officials they would get the help they need with the recovery.

Accompanied by Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield, state Rep. Clint Owlett, and all three Tioga County commissioners, Shapiro toured Westfield Borough in the northwestern part of the county, just south of Steuben County in New York state. The area was some of the hardest hit when heavy rains triggered widespread flooding Aug. 9.

PEMA and other agencies have been working with local and county officials since the flood, but seeing the destruction in person definitely underscores the urgency of the situation, Shapiro said.

"It was heartbreaking to see people's livelihoods destroyed, to see their homes destroyed, everything they've worked for just wiped out in a matter of minutes," he said.

"Now that we're through the emergency piece of this, you've got to rebuild," Shapiro said. "And that's why these resources are critically important."

Hoping to minimize future flood emergencies

Some of those affected areas were also drenched by the leftovers of Tropical Storm Fred in August 2021 and took months to recover.

Some New York counties, especially Steuben, took a big hit in that 2021 storm, and New York has since done a better job than Pennsylvania of taking steps, such as cleaning out debris from streams , to mitigate future flood damage, Owlett said.

"New York state is making sure it doesn't happen again. In Pennsylvania, our red tape and bureaucracy are getting in the way," he said. "We've got the governor's ear on this. We need to lighten up on some regulations. We requested another follow-up meeting with the governor in Harrisburg to discuss what needs to actually happen."

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What happens next in flood recovery efforts

Westfield Mayor Faun James, who met with the governor during his visit, said some progress is being made, but it will take a long time for the community to recover, and she hopes Shapiro is true to his word.

"I told him people need help. We can only hope he follows through and people get help," James said. "Some homes are already torn down. (Shapiro) looked at the devastation and he seemed pretty sincere."

Residents who need recovery assistance are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (PAVOAD), a coalition of local, state, and national volunteer organizations providing aid during disaster recovery, including cleanup assistance.

PAVOAD has established a Debby-specific website, pavoad.org/ts-debby-response , and crisis hotline, 844-965-1386.

Shapiro previously issued a state proclamation of disaster emergency for 28 counties, including Tioga, which allows the commonwealth to quickly access funds and provide state agencies with the resources needed to assist counties and municipalities with ongoing recovery efforts.

Shapiro also submitted a letter to the White House requesting a federal disaster declaration, and he remains hopeful that will be forthcoming.

"The White House is really committed to this. They're working through their process," Shapiro said. "Everybody is on the same page here. We want to see this community get back up on its feet."

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: 'It was heartbreaking.' Gov. Shapiro promises help after touring flood-ravaged Westfield