Question: Where Will FEMA Funds Go?

Last Thursday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that federal disaster assistance is now available for homeowners, renters and small businesses in Westchester County as a result of damages incurred by Hurricane Irene.

“I am pleased that FEMA is moving quickly to further assess the damages and needs of New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Irene,” Governor Cuomo said. “I urge residents and small businesses who suffered losses to take the first step on the road to recovery by calling FEMA’s registration number – 1-800-621-3362 [or registering online]. If you think you may be eligible you must register with FEMA and you should make that call today.”

Westchester County is now included in the counties eligible for Individual Assistance, Public Assistance (debris removal, emergency protective actions and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities) and a Hazard Mitigation Grant (assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards). 

Earlier in the week, Congresswoman Nita Lowey pledged her support of the municipalities affected by Irene, saying, in part, “I have called on FEMA to expedite its process for assessing uninsured damages and setting up regional response offices. When Congress reconvenes, I will also be urging immediate action in the Appropriations Committee to provide FEMA the funding it needs to help localities, businesses, and homeowners rebuild and recover.”

On Tuesday, CNN Politics reported that “FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund has less than $800 million remaining, and given the pace of operations in the wake of Irene, could run out before the end of the current fiscal year on September 30.”

Today’s question: Are you going to register with FEMA and apply for federal assistance following Hurricane Irene? Does your town require federal assistance and do you think your town officials should apply for it? Should FEMA be spending money in harder-hit areas such as Vermont first? How will this play out in terms of national politics, with some parties calling for spending cuts to offset any increase in emergency funds?

Tell us in the comments below.