More Than $10 Million Approved For New York Governments 

Release Date: August 23, 2005
Release Number: 1589-074

» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $10 million in disaster aid to the State of New York to help fund recovery efforts in several New York counties and local jurisdictions following storms and floods in early April.

At the request of Governor George Pataki, President Bush signed a major disaster on April 19 authorizing federal aid to help New York recover from the April 2-4 flooding.

"These funds are helping to restore critical infrastructure, relieve cash flow problems with municipalities and avoid burdening local taxpayers," said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson.

"Jurisdictions continue to work with FEMA and the State Emergency Management Office to determine eligible work, so additional federal and state aid can be approved as recovery continues," said James W. Tuffey, State Coordinating Office and Director of SEMO, which administers the disaster funds.

FEMA's Public Assistance program reimburses government units and certain private non-profit organizations for emergency protective measures taken in response to the storms and flooding, and for repair of damaged structures. FEMA pays 75 percent of eligible costs; the state and local governments share 25 percent.

Reimbursement is available for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, public utilities and recreational facilities.

To date, reimbursements have been approved for the following:

Broome County: $817,066
Cayuga County: $128,253
Chautauqua County: $401,932
Chenango County: $496,348
Columbia County: $425,577
Cortland County: $675,661
Delaware County: $2,184,709
Greene County: $1,104,348
Madison County: $93,552
Montgomery County: $25,660
Niagara County: $9,414
Orange County: $1,148,528
Otsego County: $267,389
Rensselaer County: $224,329
Schoharie County: $96,377
Sullivan County: $1,559,973
Tioga County: $415,684
Ulster County: $113,193
Westchester County: $22,639
State Agencies: $572,484

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 23-Aug-2005 08:18:03