State, federal programs to provide flood relief funding
Certain residents across the region are now eligible to receive assistance under two separate programs designed to provide financial relief for recent flood damage.
Many local municipalities had requested government support after four rounds of intense flash flooding struck throughout August and September.
The Disaster Loan Program is managed by the federal Small Business Administration, which has authorized low-interest loans for individuals, families and businesses that endured physical damage during flooding that occurred from Sept. 12-20, 2026.
These loans are available to anyone in Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties, according to a Tuesday release from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the Disaster Loan Program (DLP) was only available to residents in select municipalities within these counties, when in fact all homeowners, renters, nonprofits and business owners in the affected area are eligible to apply.
Loans through the DLP can offer terms of up to 30 years to help keep payments affordable, although exact repayment terms are determined on a case-by-case basis based on each borrower’s ability to repay, according to the release.
In addition, select small businesses and nonprofits in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for further relief through a SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
The DLP 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 a maximum of $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance, according to the release.
The SBA will host a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in South Strabane Township beginning Oct. 28 at noon to provide in-person assistance for those wishing to apply to the program, according to the release.
The DLOC will be open between 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. on Saturday. It will also close early at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, and all day on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for Election Day use.
It will permanently close Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 5 p.m.
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-20046.
The second program, the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP), has been authorized by PEMA to offer grant support to eligible individuals and families affected by the Sept. 12-20 flash floods beginning Oct. 28, according to the release.
These grants are only available to Washington County residents in Canton, Donegal, East Washington, Independence, North Strabane, South Strabane, Union Township and the city of Washington.
Applications for DRAP funding must be submitted by Jan. 26, 2027, in order to be considered.
Eligible households may receive up to $20,000 to cover repair costs, replace lost personal property and other housing costs.
The DRAP program has provided over $770,000 in grants to eligible families since 2023, according to a release.
More information on the DRAP program is available online at pa.gov/ready/drap.