New York Governor Requesting Major Disaster Declaration

On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to assist in ongoing reconstruction efforts in communities affected by severe storms in July.

The Governor has directed State emergency response teams to stay at the ready and remain in real-time communication with local governments that were assumed to be hit the hardest. The worst of the weather caused extensive damage with heavy rain and winds, some of which culminated in tornadoes around the Upstate and North Country areas; including Cortland County. The County has an estimated $300,000 in damages from recent storms. That number could now increase from the recent heavy rains and winds on Friday from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby.

“The weather in July ran the gamut from extreme heat to damaging wind with multiple tornadoes, to excessive rain and its associated flooding,” said Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Homeland Services (DHSES). “Today, I’m requesting a Major Disaster Declaration that would unlock further 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.”

Major Disaster Declarations secure financial assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which provides funding for local governments, non-profits, and tribes to help repair damage and remove debris, among other things. FEMA and the DHSES will survey damages related to the disaster, assess costs, and determine whether the State and impacted counties fit the requirements for the funding.