FEMA Public Assistance To New York Tops $14 Million 

Release Date: September 28, 2006
Release Number: 1650-093

» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated more than $14 million in Public Assistance (PA) funds to help New York counties repair flood damage and rebuild infrastructure damaged or destroyed in the June flooding.

These monies represent 75 percent of the cost of approved public assistance projects. The remaining 25 percent will be paid by the State of New York.

"With these Public Assistance funds, FEMA is helping New Yorkers recover from the destruction caused by the floods," said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson. "FEMA and New York State continue to work with the affected counties to clean up and rebuild damaged infrastructure."

These monies include grants awarded to date and more funding will be approved as work projects are completed.

Public Assistance funds have been obligated for the following jurisdictions:

COUNTY FEDERAL AMOUNT APPROVED
Broome $3,669,157
Chenango $622,002
Cortland $91,903
Delaware $2,585,136
Fulton $589,232
Greene $252,571
Hamilton $183,065
Herkimer $751,445
Madison $117,310
Montgomery $3,403,001
Oneida $123,990
Otsego $380,796
Rensselaer $360,324
Schenectady $181,287
Schoharie $134,138
Sullivan $357,777
Tioga $255,592
Tompkins $356,989
Ulster $110,173
TOTAL $14,628,697

Many of the approved PA projects fund debris removal, a major undertaking for local governments after floodwaters recede.

Public Assistance funds are available to state and local governments and certain private non-profits to respond to and recover from disasters. PA funds may be provided to reimburse costs incurred for emergency actions taken during and immediately after a disaster to protect life and property, to conduct debris removal and to restore disaster damaged infrastructure.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Sep-2006 15:21:27