Letter to the Hon. Brock Long, FEMA Administrator - Senators Schumer, Gillibrand Urge FEMA To Stand Ready To Quickly Approve Potential Disaster Declaration For Southern Tier And Finger Lakes Counties Impacted By Recent Flooding And Severe Weather

Letter

Dear Administrator Long:

We write in strong support of communities across a 14 country region in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier region of New York State affected by recent severe weather. We urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to stand ready to work with affected counties and New York State, if requested, to determine whether damage meets the statutory threshold for FEMA disaster assistance, and if it does, to make assistance available as expeditiously as possible.

On August 14th, a severe thunderstorm inundated this 14-county area with heavy rain downpours causing damaging flash flooding. Up to 9 inches of rain fell in some areas over a span of just a few hours, causing creeks and waterways to overflow that then swept down trees, roads, property and debris. In several low-lying areas, the floodwaters and debris severely damaged homes, including some areas where cottages, trailers, and other structures were washed into Seneca Lake. During the storm, first responders performed rescues for 62 people trapped in the flood waters. Reported damages include eroded asphalt roads, fallen bridges and culverts, downed power lines, and damaged or destroyed structures. Damage totals are likely to increase as the mud, downed trees, and debris that now cover many roads and areas is removed away.

In Broome County flash flooding caused mandatory evacuations in parts of the county, resulted in the closure of over 30 roadways, with many rendered impassable, stranding residents until waters receded. Particularly hard hit were the towns of Conklin, Kirkwood and Vestal where the cost of extensive damage to homes, and infrastructure including the washout of a newly installed covered bridge in Kirkwood are still being tabulated.

In the storm's aftermath Schuyler County faces, in addition to property and infrastructure damage, the cleanup and removal of debris much atypical of storm activity, including concrete and propane tanks that have washed into Seneca Lake, far exceeding the resources of this municipality.

As communities across the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier continue their recovery from this unexpected and unprecedented storm, we urge FEMA to stand ready to participate in a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with state and local officials, should the state request it.

We are grateful for the prompt attention that the federal government has historically given in responding to disasters impacting New York State. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to approve any forthcoming requests for FEMA assistance from New York State as affected communities begin their recovery from these severe storms.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

Kirsten Gillibrand

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