Municipalities in region qualify for disaster relief funding; SBA, DRAP available for residents in Clinton, Centre following early September flash floods, storms
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LOCK HAVEN -- Multiple municipalities that were impacted by the devastating storms that hit the region on Sept. 2 and 3 are able to request financial assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
A release from the Shapiro Administration Thursday said not only will some residents whose properties were heavily damaged by the storms possibly qualify for SBA funding, the Commonwealth also activated its Disaster Recovery Assistance (DRAP) program, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). This funding provides grants to individuals and families affected by the flash flooding and severe weather that came to the area in early September.
DRAP is available to municipalities that issues disaster declaration and include:
-- Clinton County: Allison, Bald Eagle, Beech Creek, Crawford, Dunnstable, Greene, Lamar and Woodward townships; Lock Haven City; and Beech Creek and Mill Hall boroughs.
-- Centre County: Curtin, Howard and Liberty townships.
-- Lycoming County: Anthony, Watson and Woodward townships; and Duboistown and South Williamsport boroughs.
The DRAP application portal opens today, Sept. 25. All DRAP applications must be submitted by Thursday, Dec. 24.
"These storms left many people across northern Pennsylvania picking up the pieces from damages due to strong wind and flooding. We want to make sure everyone knows that help is available to get their lives back in order," said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. "Together, we are working to bring support to these communities that need it."
The SBA's Disaster Loan Program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, private non-profit organizations and businesses who sustained physical damages from flooding.
The SBA can provide up to $500,000 for homeowners to replace or repair their primary residences and up to $100,000 for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property. Businesses and most private non-profit organizations may apply for up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.
Additionally, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations located in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
The SBA offers long-term repayment options, with loan terms of up to 30 years to help keep payments affordable. Repayment terms are determined on a case-by-case basis based on each borrower's ability to repay. Additional information about the SBA disaster declaration and access to the online loan application for Sept. 2-3, 2026, flooding and severe weather can be found here.
Applicants may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability should dial 7-1-1 for relay services), or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov and referencing Pennsylvania Disaster Number PA-20044.
The deadline to return SBA disaster loan applications for physical damages is Nov. 23, 2026. The deadline to return SBA economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) applications is June 22, 2027.
The SBA will open three Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) beginning Friday, Sept. 25 in Clinton and Lycoming counties, to provide in-person assistance for people wishing to apply. People may visit any DLOC location for assistance; however, visiting a DLOC is not required to obtain assistance.
Clinton County's office will be at the Red Eye Center 516 1/2 Canal St., Flemington, until Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Lycoming County's office will be at the Woodward Township Municipal Building, 89 Moore Road, Suite 1, Linden, until Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Alternatively, paper loan applications can be downloaded legacy.sba.gov/document/sba-form-5c-disaster-home-loan-application.
Completed paper applications can be dropped off in-person at the DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155-2243.
Those impacted by the Sept. 2-3, 2026, flash floods and severe weather are encouraged to visit the PEMA website at pa.gov/ready/drap to see if they qualify for DRAP grants.