Federal-State Snowstorm Aid Approved For Ontario, Orleans, and Wyoming 

Release Date: March 17, 1999
Release Number: 3138-02

» More Information on New York Winter Storm

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Three additional New York counties now are eligible to apply for state and federal disaster assistance to help pay for emergency measures taken during heavy snowstorms on Mar. 3-6, according to federal and state emergency management officials. The counties are Ontario, Orleans and Wyoming.

Marianne C. Jackson of the Federal Emergency Management Agency made the designations today after a review of additional data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other sources regarding "record" or "near record" snowfall for these areas.

The addition of Ontario, Orleans and Wyoming counties brings to six the number of New York State counties eligible for assistance under the emergency declaration signed by President Clinton Mar. 10 at the request of Gov. George E. Pataki. Other eligible counties are Livingston, Monroe and Wayne.

Jackson said FEMA would reimburse governmental entities in the designated counties for 75 percent of the total eligible costs of equipment, contracts and personnel overtime related to emergency services for a 48-hour period. That amount of time is considered crucial for clearing snow from emergency routes and roads leading to critical facilities and to permit the passage of emergency vehicles. Related emergency protective measures such as sanding and salting, search and rescue, shelter operations, and police and fire department response may also be eligible for reimbursement. Volunteer organizations meeting FEMA's eligibility criteria may also be reimbursed for some of the costs of providing emergency protective measures.

Edward F. Jacoby, Jr., Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office, said state and federal representatives would brief local officials on what costs are eligible, how to report equipment/personnel information, payment procedures, and would answer any other questions about the assistance program.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 02-Dec-2003 09:41:47