WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Pat Ryan (NY-18) and Mike Lawler (NY-17) are asking President Biden to immediately approve Governor Hochul’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration. Last week, an unprecedented storm dumped as much as eight inches of rain across the Hudson Valley, causing tens of millions of dollars in damage and tragically causing at least one person to lose their life.
“Our local first responders have been working non-stop under very dangerous conditions to mitigate the damage from this unprecedented storm. It’s time for the federal government to step up and deliver the resources needed for successful recovery and rebuilding efforts,” said Democratic Congressman Pat Ryan. “The days and months ahead will be difficult, but we will continue working and pushing alongside our partners in local, state, and federal government to deliver relief for Hudson Valley families and begin to rebuild our community.”
“I’m glad to see that Governor Hochul has finally requested a major disaster declaration,” said Republican Congressman Mike Lawler. “It is now imperative that President Biden approve her request and get FEMA into the Hudson Valley immediately. Our families, small businesses, and municipalities are suffering and they need help now.”
Major Disaster Declarations make the following programs available:
- Individual Assistance – Assistance to individuals and households, which may include:
o Individuals and Households Program;
o Crisis Counseling Program
o Disaster Case Management
o Disaster Unemployment Assistance
o Disaster Legal Services
o Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Public Assistance – Assistance to State, Tribal, and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, which may include the following Categories:
o A – Debris removal
o B – Emergency protective measures
o C – Roads and bridges
o D – Water control facilities
o E – Buildings and equipment
o F – Utilities
o G – Parks, recreational and other facilities
On Friday, the two Representatives sent the following letter to President Biden:
Dear President Biden,
We write to support the Major Disaster Declaration that has been requested for the State of New York following the catastrophic flash flooding that struck the state on July 9, 2023. This federal assistance is extremely important as our communities work to repair our critical infrastructure.
On July 9th, the Hudson Valley region and southeastern New York were struck by as much as eight inches of torrential rainfall that washed away homes, roads, and businesses. Tragically, at least one person has died and hundreds of residents in the region have been displaced. Orange County, home to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, was hit particularly hard with initial damage assessments revealing extensive flood damage, including washed-out roads, collapsed cliffside routes, and damage to the MetroNorth line which was temporarily suspended. Across Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster and Westchester Counties, sinkholes remain, and there are compromised culverts and washed-out roads – all of which will need extensive repairs.
Thousands of Hudson Valley residents still do not have power, and several crucial roadways have been severely compromised. As New Yorkers continue to respond to challenges caused by this unprecedented “once in a thousand-year” flood, we respectfully request that you take immediate action to make federal funding and FEMA assistance readily available to local first responders, law enforcement officials, and state agencies. While the damages are still being calculated, it will undoubtedly total to be tens of millions of dollars of damages and years of rebuilding and we appreciate your partnership in this effort.
We commend the dedication of these brave individuals and the countless state government employees who continue to work around the clock to respond to these unprecedented floods. To that end, more assistance is undoubtedly necessary to ensure the long-term recovery of our New York communities. We strongly urge you to support the State of New York’s Major Disaster Declaration request as we begin this recovery.
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The letter was signed by both Ryan and Lawler
