Schumer Urges Feds To Be Ready To Immediately Approve Disaster Declaration For Up To 14 Counties In The Southern Tier & Finger Lakes That Were Severely Impacted By Last Weekend's Flash Flooding

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region II Administrator Jerome Hatfield to be ready to immediately approve any request from New York State, should the level of damage meet the federal threshold, for federal support following the weekend's severe flash flooding. This flooding occurred in 14 Southern Tier and Finger Lakes counties and, if the damage assessment meets the necessary limit for federal aid and New York State requests assistance, Schumer said aid should be expeditiously approved to help residents and business owners recover quickly. Specifically, Schumer requested FEMA be ready to approve a disaster declaration for impacted counties, including Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wyoming, and Yates Counties.

"It is imperative that we get federal resources on the ground so the affected counties can quickly recover and rebuild after this weekend's severe weather. The last thing the communities should worry about is cutting through red tape in Washington," said Schumer. "So I'm putting FEMA and all relevant federal agencies on notice now to be ready to approve a federal disaster declaration for impacted communities, farmers, homeowners and businesses. Getting federal aid to Southern Tier and Finger Lakes residents is the first step to starting the rebuilding process."

Schumer urged that FEMA immediately approve disaster declaration in the event New York State submits the request. Schumer said we should be doing everything possible on the federal level to ensure resources are available to affected counties in the aftermath of this flash flooding. This weekend's flooding has already caused the closure of several schools, roads and the heavy rain is expected to continue in the coming days. While estimates of property damage have not yet been finalized, the flooding has damaged public infrastructure and some buildings. If a FEMA Disaster Declaration is requested and approved, impacted counties could receive reimbursement at a 75-25 federal-local cost-share for the cost to repair public infrastructure, undertake emergency protective measures, and remove debris.

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