New York Senators Call on FEMA to Declare Major Disaster in Upstate NY

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Wednesday that he and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are urging FEMA to approve a major disaster declaration for New York State after destructive storms swept throughout the Upstate area.

This announcement comes after two weeks worth of severe weather ravaged several Central and Upstate New York counties. The weather was responsible for flash flooding, hail, and even tornadoes, with wind gusts nearing 80 miles per hour. The senators said the extreme weather left significant damage and dangerous conditions in its wake, including power outages for over 100,000 people. In nearby Oneida County, Rome was hit especially hard as the most recent storm produced a tornado that ripped roofs off buildings, destroyed businesses, cars and caused major damage to hundreds of homes and properties in the downtown area. 

“Thousands of our friends and neighbors lost power with some still waiting for it to be restored,” said Senator Schumer. “Across Upstate, communities sustained severe damage to infrastructure, thousands of downed trees and damaged power lines, and, should the state hit the threshold, we need FEMA to be ready to provide all the support needed to help communities recover.”

When a disaster declaration is declared, grant assistance becomes available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs from emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. A Preliminary Damage Assessment will take place throughout the affected counties to determine whether the cost of the disaster is enough to claim it eligible for a federal disaster declaration. If it is declared as such, federal aid through FEMA will be provided, which is split between Individual Assistance (families and individuals) and Public Assistance (emergency work and debris removal). 

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand say that FEMA must be ready to enact a disaster declaration if Governor Kathy Hochul requests it.