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No Federal Aid For June Flood Victims

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Jul 20, 2009 8:04 pm US/Eastern

No Federal Aid For June Flood Victims

IRWIN (KDKA) ― People still reeling from the damage left by storms more than a month ago learned they will not get any help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Hundreds of homes and businesses in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties were affected with damage estimates reaching $20 million.

FEMA sent a letter to Gov. Ed Rendell, which says in part: "It has been determined that the damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the Commonwealth, affected local governments and voluntary agencies."

Because of the storm, a sinkhole opened in the Norwin Hills Shopping Center. With no federal aid or insurance, it will cost $700,000 to fix.

"It could cause the shopping center or part of the shopping center to be shut down until either they fix it or permanently," says Dan Stevens from the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety.

Residents have lost washers, dryers and water heaters in the flood waters.  

Victims have been given cleaning supplies, but not much else.

Marty Griffin: "What have you been offered since this water came in?"

Flood victim: "A hot dog from the Salvation Army. Hot dogs."

Other victims like Sharon Herring are fixing what they can on their own and are depending on the kindness of strangers.

"To the plumbers, electricians, the carpenters – everyone that God has blessed – can you not give one hour of your time," she asked.

In the absence of federal aid, local bands are holding a benefit concert, FloodStock, to help the flood victims in both counties.

It will be held at the Irwin Park Amphitheater on August 2. Admission is $10. Proceeds will go to the Salvation Army and will be split evenly between the counties.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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