Capital District Times

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has joined members of the New York Republican Congressional Delegation, led by Congressman Brandon Williams (R-NY), in requesting a Presidential Emergency Declaration for the State of New York. This request follows severe tornadoes, winds, and heavy rainfall that affected New York State on July 15th and 16th, 2024.

“My office has worked diligently to provide our Upstate New York and North Country communities with resources as we work to recover from the devastating storms that swept our district this month. I am now calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to issue a Presidential Emergency Declaration for the State of New York and unleash additional resources to help our NY-21 communities persevere through this tragedy and rebuild our communities,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

“It is more important now than ever that we come together, across levels of government, to respond to the disaster that has struck our community. A Presidential Emergency Declaration would greatly aid ongoing efforts to provide relief to constituents who have been impacted, and I join my colleagues in supporting the Governor’s request,” said Congressman Brandon Williams.

In their letter, the lawmakers stated: “We represent the counties that are included in the Declaration request, which includes Chemung, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oswego, Oneida, Ontario, Saratoga, Schuyler, Steuben*,* and Warren Counties. Over ten tornadoes*,* five microbursts*,* and many severe thunderstorms which impacted New York State started on July 15th*,* killing at least one person*,* with more than 400,*000 power outages due to downed trees and power lines. On July 16th*,* an EF-2 tornado touched down in the downtown area of the City of Rome*,* resulting in building collapses*,* significant infrastructure damage*,* and more than 28,*000 customers without power in Oneida County.”

The lawmakers continued: “Included in the Governor’s request is financial assistance for eligible Category A and B expenses under FEMA’s Public Assistance program for activities such as debris removal*,* sheltering*,* evacuations*,* search and rescue*,* and other eligible activities. Additionally**,** a certification that State and local government obligations and expenditures for this disaster request will comply with all cost-sharing requirements in the Stafford Act**,** and a request to waive the $5,*000,*000 limitation on assistance imposed by the Stafford Act**,** is included.”