Public Assistance Approved for 5 N.Y. Counties

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has amended the major disaster declaration for New York to include Public Assistance for the counties of Cayuga, Chautauqua, Columbia, Madison and Putnam, at the request of the State.

The designation means that local governments in these counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing, restoring or replacing damaged public facilities. Disaster assistance also may be provided to certain private non-profit organizations that operate and maintain educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and other essential government facilities.

FEMA will reimburse eligible applicants 75 percent of their actual eligible costs for these projects. The remaining 25 percent is cost-shared between the state of New York and each individual applicant, according to state law. Emergency protective measures are those activities undertaken by a community before, during and following a disaster to save lives and protect public health and safety.

Public Assistance briefings, in conjunction with New York State Emergency Management Office, will be held to explain the application process to state and local government officials and certain private non-profit organizations. State and federal officials will be available at the briefings to provide information and answer questions about the Public Assistance Program.