Schumer Personally Calls FEMA Director To Expedite Federal Aid Today
Schumer Personally Calls FEMA Director To Expedite Federal Aid Today
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today made a personal call to R. David Paulison, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), urging him to advise President Bush to immediately issue a Major Disaster Declaration in order to provide federal aid for Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Hamilton, Montgomery, Otsego and Tioga Counties after severe rains two weeks ago. On November 27, Schumer wrote a letter to President George W. Bush and Director Paulison urging them to expedite an approval for New York State's request for a major disaster declaration for counties hit by flash flooding on November 16. Senator Schumer also visited the Village of Sidney, NY on November 22 to discuss flood mitigation.
"FEMA disaster aid is essential for the communities that have been repeatedly hit with heavy rains and flooding," said Schumer. "Local governments have been working hard to repair the devastating damage from previous storms in these communities, and now that they have been hammered again, they need support from the federal government to get the job done. FEMA aid must also get to flood victims so that they can get back on their feet as soon as possible."
The flooding in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Hamilton, Montgomery, Otsego and Tioga Counties occurred after annual rainfall averages totaled above 50 inches, well above the average for the year. As a result of the storm, highways were closed, gas and water lines ruptured, and public infrastructure was severely damaged. Hundreds of residents were evacuated or rescued from their homes, while many others were forced into shelters when their homes were left in ruins. Recovery costs are expected to surpass $32,000,000. This recent round of flooding compounds the damage incurred by these communities following this summer's flooding.
This recent round of flooding compounds the damage incurred by these communities following this summer's flooding. Directly following the June floods, Schumer urged Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director R. David Paulison, Governor Pataki, and President Bush to rush funds and assistance to storm ravaged areas. Schumer also urged Director Paulison to work swiftly to provide displaced individuals and families of Delaware and surrounding counties with trailers as they worked to repair their homes. He successfully urged FEMA to provide several types of individual and public assistance, the Small Business Administration (SBA) to award several disaster loans to local businesses after this summer's floods, and the Department of Agriculture to grant millions of dollars in disaster-related aid. Senator Schumer wrote FEMA to support the NYS Office of Mental Health's application for funding under the Crisis Counseling Services program to provide services to those affected by the floods. In response to the latest November floods, Schumer urged Director Paulison and President Bush to expedite federal assistance for Broome and Delaware Counties. On November 22, Schumer toured the Amphenol facility, located in the Village of Sidney, to survey flood damage and discuss with local officials and business leaders what kind of federal aid is needed for recovery and long-term mitigation. Schumer has facilitated discussions with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to explore long term projects to prevent future damage.
"My office has been inundated with calls from anxious citizens with broken boilers and public officials with gaping budget holes who are concerned that the aid is being held up and will not arrive in time for them to deal with the cold weather and other looming problems," said Schumer.
Last week, Schumer sent the following letter to the President and FEMA:
President George W. Bush President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500
R. David Paulison Director for Federal Emergency Management 500 C Street, SW Washington, DC 20472
November 27, 2006
Dear President Bush, Director Paulison:
I am writing to urge you to expeditiously approve New York State's request for a major disaster declaration for Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Hamilton, Montgomery, Otsego and Tioga counties following the crippling flash flooding that occurred on November 16th. Based on damage assessments conducted by state and federal emergency personnel, Governor Pataki has determined that the cost of recovery is beyond the capacity of the state and local governments. Federal assistance is urgently needed to help these communities recuperate.
The 3-4 inches of rain that fell that night added to land already saturated by 47 inches of rain this year, well above the annual average. The storm caused highways closures, gas and water line ruptures and other severe damage to public infrastructure, businesses and individuals. Hundreds of residents had to be rescued and evacuated from their homes and car roofs; shelters have been set up to house hundreds whose homes have been left uninhabitable. The cost for recovery is expected to surpass $32,000,000.
Tragically, each of the counties now seeking federal assistance is the victim of repeated severe flooding. Every one of these communities has recently been financially and emotionally overwhelmed by declared federal disasters. The costs from this storm alone are too great for the local governments to cope with on their own. When you consider that these communities are already steeped in repair and recovery efforts from prior disasters, it is unequivocally clear that federal aid is needed immediately.
I ask that you issue a major disaster declaration for the affected counties without delay, ensuring that that the proper aid to individuals and local governments is delivered promptly. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Stacey Warady, in my office, at (202) 224-7276. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer U.S. Senator
http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=266563&&year=2006&