Biden OKs Disaster Declaration For Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — President Joe Biden approved New York’s request for a major disaster declaration that will unlock federal money for Hudson Valley communities impacted by the devastating floods.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Biden’s approval on Saturday.

The declaration releases critical federal assistance to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties.

The counties now have access to financial support for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

Hochul said she was thankful to the president for approving her request for a major disaster declaration.

“My administration will work directly with FEMA in the coming weeks to ensure our local government partners receive the critical funding they need to begin the recovery and rebuilding process,” she said.

New York has also engaged with the United States Small Business Administration to pursue low-interest recovery loans for impacted businesses. Further assistance to individuals and additional counties across the state still remains under federal review at this time, Hochul said.

Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said he was happy to hear that the disaster declaration was signed by the president.

“This is another important step in the recovery process and this additional funding will assist us as we recover,” he said. “I will continue to work with Governor Hochul and advocate for federal assistance as we rebuild after the storm.”

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said he was satisfied to see that help is coming to municipalities.

“Small businesses can also seek relief through low-interest lows through the SBA,” he said. “We are hopeful there will be more accommodation made for residents.”

In addition to thanking Biden for approving the disaster declaration, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne thanked Hochul, her staff and the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services during the storms and recovery efforts.

“Many homeowners are still hurting from storm damage,” he said. “We will continue to work with our partners at the state and federal government to give them what they need to bolster their efforts to bring back additional relief.”

The Hudson Valley and other parts of the state received more than 8 inches of rain from July 9 to July 10. The massive rainstorm caused creeks, streams and rivers to overflow, undermining and closing roadways and damaging infrastructure across impacted regions.

Besides the major disaster declaration, Hochul deployed staff from the State Department of Financial Services to the affected areas to provide assistance to residents affected by the flooding in filing insurance claims. Individuals can also call the DFS Disaster Hotline at 800-339-1759.

Lai Sun Yee was named as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area, according to a FEMA spokesperson. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.