FEMA To Reimburse New York City For Cancelled And Rescheduled 9/11 Primarily Elections 

Release Date: September 6, 2002
Release Number: 1391-148

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New York, NY -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved $7.9 million today to the state of New York to assist the New York City Board of Elections cover expenses associated with canceling and rescheduling statewide primary elections on Sept. 11, 2001.

As a result of the collapse of the World Trade Center on primary election day, Governor Pataki declared a statewide emergency and suspended the elections. The elections were quickly rescheduled and held on Sept. 25.

As the agency responsible for conducting elections in New York City, the Board of Elections incurred a variety of costs including computer damage caused by electrical power disruptions; the removal and re-dispatching of voting machines and election equipment at polling sites; labor costs associated with technical specialists, Board of Election employees and poll workers; and replacement ballots and poll supplies.

In announcing the approval of funds, FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said, "The terrorist attacks of September 11 not only senselessly destroyed lives and property, but also temporarily disrupted New York's primary election. President Bush's commitment to rebuild New York includes providing the resources to keep the democratic process strong."

"Governor Pataki moved quickly last September to ensure that New York voters were not denied their due process," said New York State Emergency Management Office Director Edward F. Jacoby Jr. "With this grant from FEMA, the federal government adds its voice loud and clear that the will of the people-as demonstrated in the voting booths-will not be deterred by terrorist attacks."

The grant is funded through the FEMA/New York State Public Assistance program. For this declared disaster, President Bush authorized FEMA to pay for 100 percent of the program costs for response and recovery efforts related to the Sept. 11 tragedy. Public assistance reimburses government agencies and certain non-profits providing a government-like service for eligible disaster-related damages and costs not covered by insurance.

Among the categories eligible for reimbursement are debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair or restoration of damaged public facilities.

Last Modified: Friday, 03-Oct-2003 16:24:12