Weather Conditions in District 22

It’s been quite the week for weather in the 22nd Legislative District! From dealing with sudden storms with flash flooding to heat waves, your government is working hard to serve you. This week I want to provide some information regarding the government’s response to these issues. I also want to remind everyone that despite the Brookline Boulevard Reconstruction project my office remains open to serve you.  

As always, you can reach me by phone at 412.343.2094 or email at repmolchany@pahouse.net regarding any of your state-related issues or concerns.

Sincerely,
Erin

    From the district …
City Cooling Centers and County Senior Centers Open with Extended Hours
In the city of Pittsburgh, four Cooling Centers will maintain hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends during this abnormally hot weather. Refreshments will be provided. You can find more information about these centers here.

Around the county, Senior Centers have also extended their operating hours. You can find more information about the Senior Centers here.

Most importantly during days with an extremely high heat index, check in on seniors and those in need in your lives. Knock on a neighbor’s door if you think they may be at risk. Heat exhaustion is a very real danger and can onset even hours after the high temperatures subside.

Flooding Damage Reporting Procedure
My thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected by the flash flooding that has occurred over the past two weeks, especially in the 22nd District that was hit significantly hard on Wednesday, July 10. I am happy to report that no lives were lost. I would also like to praise the city and county government, which responded quickly and effectively to isolate dangerous road ways, and the utility companies that worked overtime to restore services. I will remain in touch with the relevant officials and agencies to ensure a complete and total recovery in the district.

For those who experienced storm-related property damage, here is information regarding the process of reporting property damage.

The Process for Constituents seeking POSSIBLE Disaster Aid:
1. Document (with pictures & dates) all damaged property.
2. Submit documents & cost estimates, if available, to local municipal emergency management coordinators.
3. Local municipality will work with county to build a total summary of damage with a total cost estimate.
4. The county totals that as a preliminary assessment and provides it to PEMA and FEMA, which then results in a formal damage assessment by all agencies
5. The Federal Government will make determination as to whether or not to retroactively declare the event a Federal Disaster.

It is important to remember that Disaster Aid is meant to help you with critical expenses that cannot be covered in other ways. This assistance is not intended to restore your damaged property to its condition before the disaster.

Construction, but we’re open


The Brookline Boulevard Reconstruction project has arrived at our door step. Despite the heavy machinery and pedestrian detours, my office doors are still open. The contractors have done a fantastic job of maintaining safety and accessible walk ways into the office and parking is available in Maza Pavilion or just across the street on the Boulevard. Here’s a reminder of our summer office hours:

Monday               8:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday               8:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday          8:30am – 5:00pm
Thursday             8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday                  8:30am – 3:00pm

*Special appointments may be made outside of normal business hours for extenuating circumstances.  


From Harrisburg …

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Update
You can contact my office or visit the Department of Revenue website here to check on the status of your rebate. Remember too, that the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline for the 2012 tax year has been extended until December 31, 2013.