Following
severe summer storms that have wreaked havoc on the lives, homes, and
businesses of residents throughout at least 10 New York counties, U.S.
Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be granting aid to
Chenango and Cortland Counties to help communities repair and rebuild,
as well as reimburse them for money spent maintaining the safety of
their citizens during and after the floods. The declaration comes
after Schumer and Gillibrand wrote to the President and FEMA, asking
that aid be delivered.
“This aid is a
critical step in helping communities throughout Chenango and Cortland
repair and rebuild and after last month’s devastating floods,” said
Schumer. “The counties were overwhelmed, both physically and
financially, and the federal government should be doing everything it
can to assist with the recovery.”
“This is great news for
Central New York,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Families and businesses
here were hit hard by the summer storms. This federal assistance will
make sure Chenango and Cortland Counties get the aid they need to
recover.”
Severe
summer storms have led to widespread destruction and property damage
throughout New York State since July 29th. On August 10th, heavy
thunderstorms and severe flooding added to the damage, overturning
foundations of homes and businesses, crippling water and wastewater
systems, and rendering main thoroughfares impassable.
FEMA
is offering aid through their Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program.
Through the PA Program, FEMA provides supplemental Federal disaster
grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and
the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly
owned facilities and the facilities of certain Private Non-Profit (PNP)
organizations. The PA Program also encourages protection of these
damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for
hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.