Euclid Ave., Syracuse
/ File photo
Federal disaster funds could be headed to Central New York following those recent severe storms that caused quite a bit of damage locally.
Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo formally requested that the President declare a major federal disaster for New York State and 26 counties hit hard by recent rains and damaging flooding. Cayuga, Chenango, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida and Onondaga counties are among those listed by the Governor.
"The seemingly never-ending rains and ensuing flooding have caused severe damage and losses in many corners of the State," Governor Cuomo said. "While State agencies continue to do all that is possible to assist the impacted areas, I am asking President Obama for federal assistance to help our citizens and their communities on the road to recovery."
FEMA-State teams, which have toured the damage, estimate more than $38 million in infrastructure repair and debris removal. More than 1,000 properties were affected, including 14 homes which were destroyed and 218 had major damage. Much of it was uninsured.
The governor is asking for FEMA's Public Assistance program for 21 counties, which would provide 75 percent federal reimbursement to municipalities for the costs of debris removal, emergency response and repairs to public facilities.
The governor is also looking for the Individual Assistance program to help people and businesses recover.
