Letter to Administrator Long - Swiftly Approve Requested Aid For Rochester-Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, And Capital Region Residents
Letter
Dear Administrator Long:
We write to urge you to expeditiously approve New York State's request for a Major Disaster Declaration and Public Assistance for the 8 counties across southern New York impacted by severe storms and flooding from August 13th to August 18th 2018.
After over a month of persistent rain storms, wet weather produced dangerous conditions that devastated southern New York. The declaration proposed by New York State would grant Public Assistance to Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Columbia, Schuyler, Seneca, and Tioga Counties. From July 22, 2018 to August 21, 2018 these counties faced up to 20 inches of rain. The prolonged rain produced heavy rainfall, flash flooding, tornados and strong winds. The ground quickly became saturated and heavy rain caused high-velocity running storm water. Rushing flood waters were exacerbated by the mountainous region's varied elevation. Roads throughout the state were blocked during the storm with debris and water leaving bridges and roads damaged from erosion. FEMA State offices estimate there is $36,530,321 million in infrastructure and debris removal costs.
Throughout the past year New York State has faced severe negative impacts due to flash flooding. Following the summer flooding of 2018, three nor'easters in March, and severe tornado-producing storms in May, state and local government resources have become severely strained and are struggling to recover from this most recent incident. Since July of this year, state of emergencies have been declared in 14 counties due to the dangerous series of wet weather including the counties of Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Wayne, and Yates. The severity of this incident requires federal assistance to go beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments.
We are grateful for the prompt attention that the federal government has historically given to quickly responding to disasters impacting New York State. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to expeditiously approve the state's request for a Major Disaster Declaration and Public Assistance for 8 counties across New York State.
Sincerely,
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