President Biden approves disaster declaration for New York following destructive storms, flooding

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Sunday, July 23, 2023
President Biden approves disaster declaration for New York following destructive storms, flooding
A disaster declaration is now officially approved for the State of New York after the destructive storms that moved through almost two weeks ago.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, New York (WABC) -- A disaster declaration is now officially approved for the State of New York after the destructive storms that moved through almost two weeks ago.

President Biden made it official and ordered Federal assistance to help with the cleanup.

"After devastating floods caused extreme damage across Upstate New York this month, I'm thankful President Biden has approved my request for a Major Disaster Declaration," Governor 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."

The declaration releases critical federal assistance to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties. These counties now have access to financial support for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

State officials estimate there was $50 million worth of damage from the storms on July 9 and 10.

One person was killed when she was swept away in rushing floodwaters.

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