GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES FEDERAL DISASTER AID APPROVED FOR COUNTIES AFFECTED BY RECENT TROPICAL STORM LEE FLOODING

State of New York Executive Chamber
Andrew M. Cuomo Governor
For Immediate Release: September 13, 2011

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES FEDERAL DISASTER AID APPROVED FOR COUNTIES AFFECTED BY RECENT TROPICAL STORM LEE FLOODING

Individual Assistance for Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga Counties

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that federal disaster assistance is now available for homeowners, renters and small businesses in five counties affected by the recent flooding sustained by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.

"The recent flooding caused widespread damage across the Southern Tier and I thank FEMA for their prompt decision to help New Yorkers recover," Governor Cuomo said. "Throughout the past weeks the federal government has been a critical partner in our response to the recent storm damage inflicted by both Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. All residents and small businesses who have suffered losses should call FEMA's registration number – 1-800-621-3362, or register online as soon as possible."

Under this declaration, residents and small businesses in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga counties are now eligible to apply for the following assistance: the Individuals and Households Program, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, USDA food coupons and distribution, USDA food commodities, Disaster Legal Services, the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Small Business Administration disaster loans. The declaration also includes statewide implementation of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

State emergency officials are working closely with the state legislative delegation, including Senate Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous, to get the message out about the federal assistance that is available. Those who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Additional counties may be made eligible for federal assistance as ongoing damage assessments are completed.