Federal Disaster Aid Ordered For New York Ice Storm Recovery
Release Date: May 12, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-113
» More Information on New York Ice Storm
Washington, D.C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available for New York to help people and communities recover from the effects of a crippling ice storm that struck the central and western parts of the state last month.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and undersecretary for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, said the President ordered the aid under a major disaster declaration issued today following a review of FEMA's analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private and public property from the storm that occurred April 3-5.
After the declaration, Brown designated the counties of Cayuga, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Oswego, Seneca and Wayne eligible for federal aid to affected residents and businesses owners.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the counties of Cayuga, Chenango, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Oswego, Wayne and Yates to pay 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency services related to the storm, and the restoration of damaged public facilities. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that additional counties may be designated later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. He named Marianne Jackson of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Jackson said those who sustained losses in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Tuesday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Last Modified: Monday, 12-May-2003 22:24:19