4 Additional HV Counties Eligible For Ida Disaster Assistance

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Four more counties in the Hudson Valley are now eligible to receive disaster assistance for damage and loss caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties have been added to the previously declared Major Disaster Declaration.

The counties are now approved for federal disaster assistance through the Public Assistance program based on joint damage assessments conducted by New York State and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and are now eligible to receive federal financial reimbursement for Public Assistance to help municipalities recover and rebuild publicly owned infrastructure and facilities.

Additionally, based on the joint damage assessments, Rockland County has been added to the major disaster declaration for the Individual Assistance program, which provides direct relief for individuals and homeowners.

Counties already approved for Public Assistance under the declaration include Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Sullivan and Westchester counties. Bronx, Kings, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester counties also qualify for Individual Assistance.

Hochul said when she saw the damage from this historic storm she pledged to do everything in her power to help all the communities impacted rebuild.

"This latest announcement fulfills our promise to the those who suffered in the Hudson Valley," she said.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said there was more than $2.5 million worth of damage to public facilities throughout his county following Hurricane Ida and was grateful for the governor's help.

"We will continue to press FEMA and the state for 'Individual Assistance' to aid the families and businesses who have also sustained significant damage and are struggling to recover," he said.

Hochul and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to ensure New Yorkers are provided with the resources and assistance to fully recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida. Preliminary Damage Assessments continue to take place in additional counties that were impacted by Ida and the State will request additional counties receive assistance, if eligible.

A Major Disaster Declaration was requested by Hochul and signed by President Joe Biden, allowing for financial assistance from the federal government to provide disaster relief for communities to recover through either Public Assistance or a combination of Public and Individual Assistance. Public Assistance provides emergency assistance to save lives and protect property as well as funding debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, parks, hospitals, police stations, fire houses, water and waste water treatment facilities and other publicly owned facilities.

Individual Assistance provides direct support for individuals and homeowners. New Yorkers may also be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental and child care. Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document their losses. In counties that qualify for Individual Assistance, eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and legal services.

Hochul previously announced the launch of the new online resource hub for impacted New Yorkers, available at ny.gov/Ida. The hub provides information on available assistance programs and where to find services such as shelter and access to food. Information on the site will be updated as more resources for New Yorkers become available. Additionally, the state is partnering with FEMA in the establishment of Disaster Recovery Centers in impacted areas, which provide valuable information to assist New Yorkers in recovery efforts and support in the process for applying for available assistance and relief.