Biden approves NYS disaster declaration; FEMA provides federal funding

President Biden has declared that a major disaster exists in New York state and ordered federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl that included severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding. The counties of Cortland, Essex, Hamilton, Lewis, and St. Lawrence were hard hit on July 10 and 11. All counties in New York will be able to apply for other federal funding as a result of the emergency declaration.

The major disaster declaration secures federal financial assistance primarily through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program. FEMA can provide funding to local governments, tribes and eligible nonprofits for debris removal, protective measures and repairs to buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities. As part of the declaration, New York also was granted access to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs.

“The effects of Hurricane Beryl caused extreme damage across Upstate New York, and I’m thankful President Biden has approved my request for a Major Disaster Declaration,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “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.”

Following a presidential disaster declaration, FEMA provides funding for states to administer grant programs supporting local hazard mitigation planning and long-term hazard mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and to improve property damaged by natural disasters. Local governments and certain nonprofits that perform government-like functions in all of the counties in New York state are eligible to apply for these grants.