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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2008

SCHUMER URGES FEMA TO WAIVE DAMAGE LIMIT IN EFFORT TO FAST TRACK FEDERAL AID TO RENSSELAER COUNTY FOLLOWING SEVERE FLOODS

August 11 Floods Slammed Upstate New York - Causing Worst Damage Seen in Decades in Rensselaer; Slams Delaware for Fourth Time in Two Years

Storm Caused Over $18 Million in Damages but Under Current Federal Guidelines, Damages Must Exceed $24 Million to Receive Assistance

Schumer to FEMA: Don't Use Cookie Cutter Assistance Threshold to Deny Desperately Needed A

In the aftermath of some of the worst flash flooding to hit Upstate New York in decades, Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make an exception and waive the damage limit that FEMA sets for the delivery of federal aid in response to the severe flooding that occurred in Rensselaer County and surrounding areas in August. Currently, the counties hit by the storm fall just $6 million short of being eligible for federal aid with an initial total of $18 million in damages when FEMA has set a damage threshold of $24 million.

In order to fast track funding to Rensselaer, Delaware and nine other counties, Schumer today called on FEMA to waive its damage limit for the New York communities hit by storms from July 23 to August 16.

“This flood had a devastating effect on local towns, villages and cities across Upstate New York and they should not be left to foot the entire bill alone,” Schumer said. “I am urging FEMA to waive its damage limit so that we can fast track federal funds to the counties slammed by heavy rains in early August. I will fight tooth and nail to make sure we help residents recover from the floods.”

On August 11, heavy rain from severe thunderstorms deposited several inches of water throughout Rensselaer, Delaware and nine other counties. Floods inundated Rensselaer after the Mill and Quackenderry creeks rose above their banks and several large culverts in low-lying sections resulting in significant damage to roads, homes and infrastructure.

The flooding marks the most severe inundation that the City of Rensselaer in Rensselaer County has seen in decades and represents the fourth time in a little over two years that the small villages and towns in Delaware County have been hit with devastating floods. Throughout July and August, eleven Upstate New York Counties have been affected by flash flooding. Columbia, Delaware, Livingston, Montgomery, Ontario, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie, Steuben, Sullivan, and Wyoming Counties have suffered severe damages due to heavy storms from July 23 to August 16 of this year. The initial estimated cost of the damage to the counties was put at $18 million.

The costs incurred from these storms left the local governments with little money to spare.  Initial calculations show that these heavy storms have caused over $18 million in damage in small communities throughout New York State.  However, in order to qualify for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Administration, the disaster must have caused the city approximately $24 million in damages.  State agencies, especially SEMO, have been working hard to complete a comprehensive disaster aid assessment.

Federal assistance is urgently needed to help these communities recover.  Recently, Governor Paterson asked FEMA to assist the State Emergency Management Office in completing preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) which took place over the past two weeks. However, additional federal assistance is urgently needed to help these communities recuperate. 

To ensure that Rensselaer and the affected Upstate New York counties receive FEMA funding, Senator Schumer wrote a personal letter to FEMA Administrator R. Daivd Paulison urging him to waive the damage cost threshold that would make these communities and local governments eligible for federal assistance.

Schumer wrote:  “Federal assistance is urgently needed to help these communities recuperate.  I urge you to waive the per-capita trigger thus ensuring that the desperately needed aid to these communities and local governments is delivered promptly.”

A full copy of the letter is below:

August 29, 2008

The Honorable R. David Paulison

Under Secretary of Homeland Security

 for Emergency Preparedness and Response

Department of Homeland Security

500 C Street SW

Washington, DC 20472

Dear Under Secretary Paulison:

I write to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive the per-capita trigger that allows for the delivery of FEMA aid in response to the severe flooding that occurred in New York State from July 23 to August 16 of this year. As you know, a single weather system brought flash floods and severe storms that pounded New York State from late July to mid-August, severely affecting Columbia, Delaware, Livingston, Montgomery, Ontario, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie, Steuben, Sullivan, and Wyoming counties.  These hammering rains resulted in significant damage to roads, homes and infrastructure.

The situation is dire enough that Governor Paterson asked FEMA to assist the State Emergency Management Office in completing preliminary damage assessments (PDAs).  It is my understanding that the assessments took place over the past two weeks, and I appreciate FEMA’s prompt attention to the State’s request.  Currently, the State of New York is doing everything it can to properly assess the damage and ensure that eligibility for federal assistance is thoroughly considered for all communities affected by the July/August weather pattern.

These heavy storms have caused over $18 million in damage in small communities throughout New York State.  The flooding marks the most severe deluge that the City of Rensselaer in Rensselaer County has seen in decades and represents the 4^th time in little over two years that the small villages and towns in Delaware County have been hit with devastating floods. The costs incurred from this weather system have left the local governments, which don't have deep financial pockets, with little money to spare.  Federal assistance is urgently needed to help these communities recuperate.  I urge you to waive the per-capita trigger thus ensuring that the desperately needed aid to these communities and local governments is delivered promptly. 

These heavy storms have caused over $18 million in damage in small communities throughout New York State.  The flooding marks the most severe deluge that the City of Rensselaer in Rensselaer County has seen in decades and represents the 4^th time in little over two years that the small villages and towns in Delaware County have been hit with devastating floods. The costs incurred from this weather system have left the local governments, which don't have deep financial pockets, with little money to spare.  Federal assistance is urgently needed to help these communities recuperate.  I urge you to waive the per-capita trigger thus ensuring that the desperately needed aid to these communities and local governments is delivered promptly. 

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

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