Monroe, Orleans receive federal disaster designation

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) announced that the Department of Agriculture has reviewed Damage Assessment Reports for all of the New York counties that were struck by inclement weather conditions over the recent months and have declared 22 counties eligible for disaster assistance designation funding. Also, 20 surrounding counties qualify for funds if their land meets the eligibility for damaged property. Each designated county can receive low-interest loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Orleans County qualified as a primary natural disaster area. Monroe qualified for primary assistance and was a contiguous disaster area.

Last year, Clinton sponsored legislation to provide disaster assistance for New York's farmers. The legislation offers a range of disaster assistance nationwide and reimburses farmers for both crop losses and replanting of fruit trees and vines.