State requests major disaster declaration for July storms

ALBANY, New York (WWNY) – New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is requesting a major disaster declaration from the federal government.

Hochul says it’s to support ongoing recovery efforts by communities hit by severe weather on July 10 and 11.

If granted by President Joe Biden, the declaration would provide federal funding for Cortland, Essex, Hamilton, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to cover debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

Hochul says the state continues to work with local governments to determine which damages would possibly support asking the Small Business Administration for low-interest loans.

A major disaster declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to local communities and some nonprofits to clean up after major damage from disasters.

Hochul has already requested a federal emergency declaration for damages to 15 New York counties on July 15 and 16.

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