Major Disaster Declaration for Westchester

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) today announced FEMA issued major disaster declarations (MDD) for Westchester and Rockland Counties. The major disaster declaration makes both counties eligible for both public and individual assistance.

"This is an important step as it gives residents and local leaders confidence that federal aid will be available to help recover from this disaster," said Lowey. “The top priorities now are speeding the pace of power restoration to both Westchester and Rockland Counties; and easing the gasoline shortage, particularly for emergency vehicles.”

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) said the declaration allows businesses, individuals and local governments to apply for FEMA aid. In addition, a waiver allows applications to be processed immediately.

Engel said, “President Obama called on the federal agencies to forego red tape and help as fast as possible. I am pleased to see FEMA doing just that, helping these counties recover from another destructive storm.”

FEMA staff toured both counties and saw first-hand the flooding and damage to buildings and infrastructure. Engel said the two counties’ preliminary damage assessment (PDA) reports made it clear the  stricken counties needed FEMA aid. New York, Nassau, and Suffolk were included in the original major disaster declaration.