Following severe summer storms that have wreaked havoc on the
lives, homes, and businesses of residents throughout Chautauqua, Erie and
Cattaraugus, today FEMA agreed to provide Individual Assistance, in addition to
the Public Assistance. Schumer and Gillibrand wrote to FEMA requesting they
provide both public and individual assistance to the counties. Schumer,
after FEMA only granted Public Assistance, personally called the head of FEMA
asking that he also grant Individual Assistance The announcement comes
two days after Schumer made that call. The Public Assistance program,
provides assistance to State and local governments and certain private
nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of
disaster-damaged facilities. Individual assistance provides grants and
low-interest loans directly to home and business owners to repair and rebuild
and to secure temporary housing.
Senator Schumer released the following statement:
“The federal government has now stepped up to the plate, and the
hundreds of homeowners and small business owners who have lost so much in Erie,
Cattaraugus and Chautauqua can breathe a sigh of relief. We will be
working with them to fill out applications and get the federal help as soon as
possible.”
Senator Gillibrand release the following statement:
“This is great news to begin the holiday weekend. Western New
York homeowners and small businesses were hit hard by the devastating summer
storm. This federal declaration will go a long way to provide the aid necessary
to help our community get back on their feet.”