January 17, 2025 - Reading, PA
The Shapiro Administration today highlighted the recovery efforts in Berks County made possible through the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP). The grant program was activated 18 months ago for the first time since the law went into effect as Governor Shapiro vowed to provide aid to Berks County following devastating flooding resulting from heavy rainfall on July 9, 2023."Immediately following the Berks County flooding, Governor Shapiro promised residents that his Administration would work with state and local officials and volunteer organizations to help them recover from these storms." said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield. "We delivered on that promise using a whole community approach with our VOAD partners and activated the Commonwealth's Disaster Recovery Program, distributing nearly $125,000 in state recovery dollars directly to impacted residents of Berks County who needed this critical financial support."Speaker list:Randy Padfield, Director, PEMASenator Judy SchwankBrian Gottschall, Director, Berks County Department of Emergency ServicesJulia Frank, President, Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (PAVOAD)