Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced that FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate has heeded their call and amended the President’s major disaster declaration for New York to include Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties in light of the severe flooding and wind damage in the Hudson Valley following Sandy. Specifically, residents will be eligible for Individual Assistance and the counties will be eligible for Public Assistance categories A through G, which includes debris removal, emergency protective measures, and reimbursement for infrastructure repairs. The Senators also announced that this makes Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster counties eligible for 100 percent of the federal share for ten days for emergency power restoration assistance and emergency public transportation assistance, including direct Federal assistance, beginning October 30, 2012 through November 14, 2012.
“It was clear immediately after Sandy hit that Sullivan, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam needed the federal government to get all hands on deck to help pave the road to recovery,” said Schumer. “I’m glad that FEMA has unlocked this necessary reimbursement assistance and support, as we work to help the Hudson Valley rebuild after this devastating storm. Sullivan, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam suffered costly flooding and wind damage during Sandy and residents and business owners need to know that that the federal government is in their corner.”
“FEMA’s help is on the way to these Hudson Valley counties that weren’t spared Hurricane Sandy’s path of destruction,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This was a clear decision and will help our effort to put all necessary resources on the ground where we need them to help families and businesses clean up, rebuild, and get back on their feet. And we will keep working to make sure no bureaucracy stands in the way of communities getting the assistance they need.”
Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties have been hit particularly hard by Hurricane Sandy. Dozens of roads in the four counties had been closed due to downed trees and power lines, and thousands of residents were without power for over a week. At least one Ulster resident was killed due to Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, sewer treatment plants were knocked offline throughout the county.