Bucks County Township Declares “State of Emergency” for Pope’s Visit

Other municipalities expected to follow suit, seek state and federal disaster funds.

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A Bucks County township has declared a “state of emergency” for the pope’s September visit to Philadelphia, saying the designation will help officials seek federal disaster money to recoup costs associated with the visit.

The declaration came at the recommendation of Middletown Township Police Chief Joseph Bartorilla. “He said one advantage of declaring a state of emergency is that it makes it more likely the township will be eligible for reimbursement from the federal government for police overtime and other expenses incurred resulting from” the pope’s visit, the Bucks County Courier Times reports.

The paper added: “The pope’s appearance at the World Meeting of Families is expected to have a major impact on Middletown’s Woodbourne SEPTA train station and nearby roads, Bartorilla said.”

In Bucks County, Bensalem, Bristol Township, Tullytown and Warminster also have SEPTA rail stations that will be affected by the pope’s visit. Tullytown and Warminster officials have said they probably will also seek disaster declarations.