Federal Disaster Funds Authorized For New York To Aid State And Local Government Storm Recovery
Release Date: August 3, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-110
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster funds have been made available for New York to help state and local governments recover from the effects of a recent series of severe storms.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said President Bush authorized the aid under a major disaster declaration issued following a review of FEMA’s analysis of the state’s request for federal assistance. The declaration covers damage to public property from severe storms and flooding that occurred over the period of May 13 through June 17.
After the President’s action, Brown designated the following 13 counties eligible for federal funding to pay the state and affected local governments and certain private non-profit organizations 75 percent of the approved costs for the restoration of damaged facilities: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Delaware, Erie, Herkimer, Ontario, Saratoga, Schoharie, Steuben, Ulster, Washington and Yates. The funding also covers eligible state and local government costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the disaster.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be available on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks in the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Delaware, Erie, Herkimer, Monroe, Oneida, Ontario, Saratoga, Schoharie, Steuben, Ulster, Washington and Yates.
Brown indicated that additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. He named Theodore Monette of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Monette said that procedures for requesting assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected area.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Aug-2004 17:30:34