Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday that FEMA denied New York's appeal for a major disaster declaration tied to a February blizzard that caused more than $168 million in damage.
The governor said the storm placed a financial burden on communities in New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region and met federal thresholds for assistance. Her statement did not include FEMA's explanation for denying the appeal.
Hochul criticized President Donald Trump's administration and said the denial followed a separate dispute over $87 million in federal counterterrorism funding. She accused federal officials of withholding support from first responders, utility crews and emergency managers who worked during the storm.
The governor also called on Republican members of New York's congressional delegation to press the administration to approve the declaration and provide disaster relief.
Hochul said the state would continue seeking support for affected communities. The statement did not identify an additional appeal route, a replacement state aid package or a timetable for another decision.
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