Parts of Steuben County were devastated by Steuben County, but apparently the damage isn’t severe enough to warrant FEMA individual assistance. The remnants of Tropical Storm Fred brought heavy rain to the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier on August 18, which led to a number of water rescues in Steuben County.
However, FEMA denied the request – prompting elected leaders from both political parties to respond with disappointment.
“We must do everything in our power to help New Yorkers recover and rebuild from natural disasters. We will immediately appeal FEMA’s decision on Individual Assistance for Steuben County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Fred. The people of Steuben County have suffered enough, and it is our duty to work together to secure the federal funding they deserve,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.
Republican lawmakers from the Southern Tier issued a joint statement. Congressman Tom Reed, State Senator Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Assemblyman Joe Giglio, and Assemblywomen Marjorie Byrnes responded with the following:
“We are very disappointed with the decision made by FEMA in regards to Individual Assistance for our area residents that were devastatingly impacted by Tropical Storm Fred. On behalf of these individuals, we will continue to work together in hopes of achieving a positive outcome. We would like to thank Governor Hochul in her efforts to appeal this decision and we join her in this process in the hope that FEMA will reconsider.”
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