Federal assistance is coming to several upstate New York counties after flooding this summer.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office announced the support was approved by President Biden to help those impacted by severe weather on August 18-19 in Suffolk, Oswego and Lewis Counties.
The Major Disaster Declaration allows federal funds to be used to support public infrastructure reconstruction but does not include funds to support homeowners who were impacted.
“Severe weather on August 18 and 19 left extreme damage across parts of our state, and I’m thankful President Biden has approved my request for a Major Disaster Declaration,” Governor Hochul said.
Warmer temperatures are here, how to keep your pumpkins from rotting
As part of the declaration, New York was also granted access to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. These provide funding for states to administer grant programs supporting hazard mitigation planning to reduce the loss of life and to improve property damaged by natural disasters.
Local governments and certain non-profits that perform government-like functions in all of New York’s counties are eligible to apply for these grants once they open.