WASHINGTON – Three federal legislators called on FEMA to speed up Northern Westchester Hospital’s application for federal funding to make improvements to help it withstand future storms.
The funds, which would be part of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, would enable the hospital to strengthen its power grid.
During Superstorm Sandy, the hospital lost power for 70 hours due to having an outdated power system that relies on one switch to keep the electricity running, which is in violation of safety codes.
US Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Nita Lowey urged FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate to approve the funding application for $5.4 million of the $7.2 million total cost.
