ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will make federal disaster aid available to homeowners, renters and small businesses within five counties affected by the tremendous flooding caused by tropical storm Lee last week.
The federal aid comes none to soon following a year plagued by rain and flooding in Chenango County.
“We’ve had the storm of the century three times this year,” said Public Works Director Randy Gibbon.
FEMA’s disaster declaration will cover flood damage to residents in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties, Cuomo’s office reported.
“The recent flooding caused widespread damage across the Southern Tier and I thank FEMA for their prompt decision to help New Yorkers recover,” said Cuomo.
Victims of the disaster can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by registering online at disasterassistance.gov. Emergency Management Director Matthew Beckwith said he would urge those affected by either Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee to contact FEMA immediately and made clear that contacting a local authority would not count towards beginning the process.
“Anyone who wants to make a claim has to contact FEMA,” he said. “Contacting the emergency management office is not the same thing.”
According to Beckwith, additional programs will be made available as more information is provided by the state. The emergency management department will be working with social services to set up a weatherization program and a food relief program, he said.
“As we move forward, a relief center will be set up by FEMA,” said Beckwith. “From there they can assess individual properties and damages.”
According to a Federal Disaster Declaration Fact Sheet, the design of the declaration is “assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.”
“We just have to take this one step at a time,” said Beckwith. “But this is an important first step.”