Governor Hochul Announces Four Additional Counties Impacted by Ida Now Eligible for Assistance as Part of Federal Major Disaster Declaration

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced four additional counties have been added to the previously declared Major Disaster Declaration as a result of flooding and hardship caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in early September. Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties are now approved for federal disaster assistance through the Public Assistance program based on joint damage assessments conducted by New York State and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. All four counties are now eligible to receive federal financial reimbursement for Public Assistance to help municipalities recover and rebuild publicly owned infrastructure and facilities. Additionally, based on the joint damage assessments, Rockland County has been added to the major disaster declaration for the Individual Assistance program, which provides direct relief for individuals and homeowners.

Additional counties already approved for Public Assistance under the declaration include Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Sullivan, and Westchester Counties. Bronx, Kings, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties also qualify for Individual Assistance.

"When I witnessed the damage from this historic storm I pledged that we would do everything in our power to help all the communities impacted rebuild, and this latest announcement fulfills our promise to the those who suffered in the Hudson Valley," Governor Hochul said. "I'd like to thank both the state and federal damage assessment teams on the ground who provided information to secure this important federal disaster assistance that will assist our communities in their restoration efforts."

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, "This disaster declaration is good news for our local municipalities who sustained significant damage as it provides much needed support and assistance to repair the more than $2.5 million worth of damage to public facilities throughout Dutchess County following Hurricane Ida. We will continue to press FEMA and the State for "Individual Assistance" to aid the families and businesses who have also sustained significant damage and are struggling to recover. We are grateful to the Governor's office for their support throughout this weeks-long review process to get the Public Assistance for municipalities and hope we can be equally successful in ensuring Individual Assistance for residents and businesses."

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said, "Orange County suffered major infrastructure damage due to Hurricane Ida and this assistance will be beneficial to us. We want to thank Governor Hochul for stepping up and helping our communities to rebuild after the storm. I will continue to work closely with my Emergency Management team to assess the damage and monitor the recovery from the storm."

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said, "Flooding from Hurricane Ida causes extensive damage to roads and drainage systems across our county. It's good to know that our communities will now be eligible for federal funding to rebuild the infrastructure that's been damaged. We are grateful that Putnam was added to the Major Disaster Declaration that will make the funding available."

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said, "After a lot of work by the Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services Office, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, FEMA and our local towns and villages Rockland residents have finally been made eligible for FEMA Disaster Assistance. My thanks to Governor Hochul for supporting these efforts and to our federal representatives for their advocacy. Rockland residents are now one step closer to recovering from the damage and losses caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida."

Governor Hochul and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to ensure New Yorkers are provided with the resources and assistance to fully recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida. Preliminary Damage Assessments continue to take place in additional counties that were impacted by Ida and the State will request additional counties receive assistance, if eligible.

A Major Disaster Declaration was requested by Governor Hochul and signed by President Biden, allowing for financial assistance from the federal government to provide disaster relief for communities to recover through either Public Assistance or a combination of Public and Individual Assistance. Public Assistance provides emergency assistance to save lives and protect property as well as funding debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, parks, hospitals, police stations, fire houses, water and waste water treatment facilities and other publicly owned facilities.

Individual Assistance provides direct support for individuals and homeowners. New Yorkers may also be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental, and child care. Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document their losses. In counties that qualify for Individual Assistance, eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and legal services.

Governor Hochul previously announced the launch of the new online resource hub for impacted New Yorkers, available at ny.gov/Ida. The hub provides information on available assistance programs and where to find services such as shelter and access to food. Information on the site will be updated as more resources for New Yorkers become available. Additionally, the State is partnering with FEMA in the establishment of Disaster Recovery Centers in impacted areas, which provide valuable information to assist New Yorkers in recovery efforts and support in the process for applying for available assistance and relief.

Governor Hochul also directed that $378 million in previously awarded hazard mitigation funding from FEMA be devoted to bolstering New York State's infrastructure against extreme weather.

Governor Hochul encourages local officials in the impacted counties to continue working with county emergency managers to submit any resource needs directly into NY Responds, the state's web-based system that enables both local governments and state agencies to submit and share vital emergency-related information and resource requests.