New York lawmakers are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to increase state funding for flood recovery in the Southern Tier, still struggling from Tropical Storm Debby’s devastation last August. They want the state to cover the local share of rebuilding costs, citing past precedent in Penn Yan’s 2014 flood.
Typically, the federal government funds 75% of disaster recovery, with the state and local governments splitting the remaining 25%. Lawmakers argue the cost is too much for local budgets, especially with Steuben County alone facing $50 million in damages.
They acknowledged Hochul’s previous support but stressed that more aid is necessary to restore infrastructure in affected communities.
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