Schumer Announces FEMA Makes Major Disaster Declaration For Counties Damaged By Recent Floods

Schumer Announces FEMA Makes Major Disaster Declaration For Counties Damaged By Recent Floods

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announces that a Major Disaster Declaration has been declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Hamilton, Montgomery, Otsego and Tioga Counties due to the damage following severe rains three weeks ago. These counties will now be eligible for Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation (HM) aid from FEMA. Last week, Schumer made a personal call to FEMA Director R. David Paulison, urging him to advise President Bush to immediately issue a Major Disaster Declaration in order to provide federal aid for this area. 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.

"This decision means that these communities can get the public assistance they desperately need," said Schumer. "After being repeatedly hit with heavy rains and flooding, cleaning-up the damage done in these counties is beyond the capacity of the local governments. With this additional aid, the region will finally be able to get back on their feet."

Today, FEMA has awarded two Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation funding (HM). PA aids public entities by reimbursing emergency services and funding repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities, roads and bridges. The Hazard Mitigation program provides aid to States and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters.

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. In response to the latest November floods, Schumer made a personal call last week to R. David Paulison, Director of FEMA, urging him to advise President Bush to immediately issue a Major Disaster Declaration in order to provide federal aid for the area. 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. 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.

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.

http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=266888&&year=2006&