ALBANY – Governor George E. Pataki Monday toured areas of Montgomery County ravaged by last week’s floods, including Lock 10 of the Erie Canal in Cranesville, as the State’s massive response and recovery effort to assist communities and thousands of New Yorkers continues. The Governor announced President Bush has approved federal Individual Assistance for 12 of the 13 flood-ravaged counties.
“While the waters have receded, we continue to do everything possible to help thousands of New Yorkers and communities across the State recover from the devastation of these floods,” Governor Pataki said. “Dedicated teams of State personnel, including members of the National Guard, remain active in this recovery effort and will be providing support and assistance as long as necessary.
“Last week’s flooding was obviously a disaster of gigantic proportions, and I am pleased that the federal government has approved Individual Assistance to be granted to people in 12 counties,” the Governor said. “As we move forward with recovery efforts, New York State will continue to fight for a full and complete federal response, including the necessary resources, assistance, and commitment to ensure that all affected individuals and communities receive the support they need and deserve to overcome their recent hardships.”
The Individual Assistance Program provides assistance to homeowners, renters and small businesses through the Individual and Households program, disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and Small Business Administration disaster loans. The disaster aid includes grants for rental assistance, home repairs, and other disaster-related needs. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available for those who qualify. Federal and State disaster assistance covers basic needs that are not insured.
Individuals can register for federal disaster aid by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those who are hearing or speech impaired may call TTY at 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Flood victims may also register for disaster assistance on-line at www.fema.gov
On Friday, the Governor formally requested that President Bush issue a major federal disaster declaration to provide federal disaster assistance to individuals and communities in the following 13 counties: Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Orange, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga and Ulster.
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