Hochul Seeks Disaster Funds For September Deluge In Westchester

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The state of New York has requested a major disaster declaration from the Biden administration for federal assistance for communities that were impacted by September flooding.

Governor Kathy Hochul requested Wednesday the declaration to help Westchester and Nassau counties and the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan to cover debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

She said the state witnessed unprecedented rainfall in September that resulted in devastating flooding, causing extensive damage throughout New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley.

“I’m requesting federal assistance to support our ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers recover as communities continue to deal with the fallout of this historic weather event,” Hochul said.

A major disaster declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to local governments, tribes and eligible nonprofits for debris removal, protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, waste and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.

Following a disaster, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Disaster Recovery Unit works directly with counterparts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and impacted local governments to assess damages caused by, and costs related to, the disaster. Once these assessments are complete, FEMA validates whether the state and impacted counties have reached the required federal damage thresholds for a major disaster declaration.

Six inches of rain fell in parts of Westchester and Nassau counties and Manhattan, and more than 7 inches fell in Brooklyn, the state said, during a 24-hour period on Sept. 29. Hochul declared a state of emergency for the Mid-Hudson Region, New York City and Long Island on Sept. 29 as heavy rain impacted the downstate region.