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THIRTEEN COUNTIES GET FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR NOR’EASTER
State to Pay Local Share

Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced that the federal government has approved New York State’s request to expand its disaster declaration. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared that communities in 12 counties are now eligible to receive federal disaster assistance for storm response costs, the repair of damaged public infrastructure and debris removal associated with the April 14-18 nor’easter. Additionally, the Governor announced today that the state would assume the full share of the local costs. Traditionally, when a disaster declaration is made, the federal government provides 75 percent of the eligible costs with the remaining 25 per cent split between the state and the local government.

"To ease the recovery costs on the local communities, I have directed that the state pick up the local share of these costs," said Governor Spitzer. "This was no ordinary storm and no ordinary recovery and our local communities deserve our support."

Communities in the following counties are now eligible for assistance under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program: Albany, Columbia, Essex, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Schoharie, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester.

The expanded federal declaration also provides disaster recovery assistance to homeowners, renters and small businesses in Albany and Dutchess counties and the Borough of Staten Island. They join Westchester, Orange and Rockland counties, which were declared eligible for this individual assistance when the President approved Governor Spitzer’s initial request on April 24.

"This much needed assistance is welcome news for both the residents and small businesses who suffered damages in the declared counties and who would have had to bear the cost of replacing infrastructure damaged by this devastating storm," said Governor Spitzer. "Recovery is going to take time, but let me assure flood victims and taxpayers that New York State will be with them every step of the way. I thank the President, FEMA Director David Paulison, Senators Schumer and Clinton and our entire Congressional delegation for securing this help."

Before the floodwaters receded, New York State asked FEMA on April 16 - as the Governor toured storm-ravaged Mamaroneck in Westchester County - for technical assistance in the form of preliminary damage assessments to determine eligibility for federal aid. Again on April 18, the Governor pressed for federal assistance for individuals and businesses before the federally-required damage assessments were completed.

Today’s announcement triggers delivery of federal assistance under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which provides federal reimbursement to the 12 declared counties for 75 percent of the costs of repairs to public infrastructure such as roads, bridges and public buildings damaged in the storm and ensuing flooding, as well as for the cost of protective measures taken by local governments, and for debris removal.

The Governor reminded those eligible for individual assistance in Albany, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties and the Borough of Staten Island to register with FEMA if they suffered damages from the storm.

Individuals can register for federal disaster aid by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those who are hearing or speech impaired may call TTY at 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Storm victims may also register for disaster assistance on-line at www.fema.gov.

Federal assistance for individuals in Albany, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties and the Borough of Staten Island is provided through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program and Other Needs Assistance Programs and includes grants for temporary housing and rental assistance, home repairs, and other disaster-related needs. Also being provided is disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and the maximum allowable assistance to individuals and businesses from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for the statewide implementation of the hazard mitigation program. Federal and state disaster assistance covers basic needs that are not insured.