timessunday

County: Be prepared for flooding help

07/08/2007

Big Knob firefighters Ed Frederick and P.J. Moldovan use a firehose to clean mud and stone off of the lower part of Franklin Avenue near the police station.

ALIQUIPPA - As the cleanup on Franklin Avenue continues, Beaver County officials are asking residents and business owners who suffered property damage in last week's flooding to start applying for state and federal financial assistance.

Although Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency officials have not yet completed their assessment of the damage, city and county officials say property owners can help speed the process - if Aliquippa is declared a state disaster area - by being ready:

Individual property owners who have experienced flood damage should contact the American Red Cross by calling (724) 622-1263 or by visiting the Red Cross recovery center at Aliquippa Elementary School, 800 21st St., between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.

Business owners, including landlords, who have experienced flood damage should visit the Aliquippa Fire Station on Kennedy Boulevard to pick up forms for U.S. Small Business Administration assistance.

Property owners who experienced catastrophic losses - or losses that total more than 50 percent of the property's assessed value - may be eligible for a reduction in assessed value and a subsequent reduction in property taxes. Forms are available at the Aliquippa Fire Station or at the assessment office in the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver.

City officials also will continue flushing fire hydrants along Franklin Avenue on Monday. Property owners may notice temporary discoloration of their water while nearby hydrants are being flushed. Discolored water will be unsafe for consumption unless it is boiled; water that runs clear will be safe to use.