Press Releases
WEINER URGES PRESIDENT BUSH TO DECLARE BROOKLYN, QUEENS AND STATEN ISLAND A FEDERAL DISASTER AREA
TWO WEEKS AFTER STORM, SOME FAMILIES REMAIN HOMELESS
Queens, NY - Today, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn & Queens) urged President Bush to act immediately and approve Governor Eliot Spitzer’s request for a major federal disaster declaration for homeowners, renters and business owners in the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island who were adversely impacted by the severe storms and devastating tornado that swept through the City on August 8th. At Weiner’s request, FEMA sent teams to inspect various locations in Forest Hills which sustained heavy damage from the storm. These teams provided the Governor with a preliminary damage assessment of the locations which would now be eligible for federal assistance if a disaster declaration is issued.
On August 8th, New York City was ravaged by a strong, fast moving storm which dumped over three inches of rain in a little over an hour on the metropolitan area. The rain and high winds damaged utilities, restricted roads, and severely disrupted the subway system. As a result of the damage to the transportation system, many businesses were negatively affected by the storm, along with thousands of homes.
In Weiner’s congressional district, torrential rains and high wind gusts in Forest Hills led to severe flooding which caused millions of dollars in damage to homes and completely destroyed several ground level apartments – leaving at least 7 families homeless.
“I commend the Governor for acting quickly to provide New York City residents with the federal assistance sorely needed to recover from this storm,” said Rep. Weiner. “I urge the President to immediately issue the requested disaster declaration so our community can begin to rebuild.”
In a letter to President Bush attached to this release, Weiner wrote, “On behalf of my many constituents adversely impacted by the storm, I request that you immediately declare the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island federal disaster areas so that FEMA and the Small Business Association can begin to help families and small businesses rebuild in the wake of this disaster.”
