FEMA took a big step on Tuesday – approving disaster declaration for those impacted by August flooding in Southern Seneca County, and the Southern Tier.
Among the seven counties granted relief was Seneca County, where Lodi Point was hit particularly hard.
The National Weather Service estimated that as much as 9 inches of rain fell in just hours – prompting one of the most-extreme flooding events in local history.
Damage from the storm surpassed the threshold of $28.29 million for federal aid; requests to FEMA were subsequently issued by Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, and Tioga Counties also had severe damage from roads being washed out, and trees and debris being swept into homes, businesses and vehicles.
“Many of these communities were severely flooded and are still recovering from the damage,” Senator Gillibrand said in a statement.
Once the approval is given by FEMA, grant assistance is made available to state and local governments, as well as some designated non-profit organizations. The grant money will be issued to reimburse costs of emergency work and repair or replacement of damaged facilities.
Officials say FEMA covers 75 percent of eligible costs for permanent and emergency work.
Additional information about how to apply for FEMA aid will come from local government in the coming weeks.
