Federal assistance sought for victims of severe storms

Governor George E. Pataki asked President Bush to declare a major federal disaster of 6 counties across the state, making them eligible for federal assistance as a result of a continuing series of strong storms which began in mid-August and continued into this month, causing widespread flood damage. Federal assistance was requested for several counties including Monroe.

"The impact from these storms was devastating and widespread," Pataki said. "Scores of people were evacuated and forced into shelters because homes were destroyed, hundreds of additional residences sustained significant uninsured damage and the state and local transportation network in many places was underwater. While New York State continues to do everything possible to help local communities and ease the hardships suffered by citizens and businesses across the state, this effort has placed a severe strain on local and state recourses, making it necessary to ask for this federal assistance," the Governor said.

In his request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance, the Governor is specifically seeking these categories of aid:

•Public assistance to reimburse communities for debris removal, the costs of emergency response efforts and to restore public infrastructure.

•Individual assistance for citizens who suffered losses, including the Individual and Households Program; disaster unemployment insurance and Small Business Administration loans;

•Statewide implementation of FEMA's hazard mitigation program.

The series of storms, which began August 13 and continued into this month, caused extensive flooding that closed state and local major roadways, isolating residents, and significantly impacting businesses. The seemingly never-ending rains caused power outages, and coupled with the road closures, forced scores to seek shelter out of their homes. Damage to roads, bridges, dams and other infrastructure seriously impacted the ability of local governments to provide emergency services because of the closures and detours. In response to the storms, the Governor directed the implementation of the State Emergency Operations Plan and directed state agencies to take necessary actions to protect public health and safety and to restore vital public services and transportation systems.