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Washington, DC - At Congressman Tom Reed's request President Trump declared a major disaster for Chemung, Seneca, Steuben and Tioga counties Tuesday and authorized Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance following the devastating flooding experienced in August.

"We care about those impacted by the devastating flooding this past August," Reed said. "This is why we reached out to the White House for recovery assistance to ensure our communities have fair access to the resources they need to rebuild."

The FEMA Public Assistance Program will provide grants to state and local governments, and certain non-profits, to assist with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent restoration of infrastructure.

Under the Public Assistance Program, the federal government will cover 75 percent of the cost of approved recovery projects.

"This is an important step forward to assist the recovery efforts of many regional counties, and we are grateful for Tom's diligence in bringing this need to the attention of President Trump and federal leaders," Senator Tom O'Mara said. "Now we will also continue working together on the effort to secure additional help for individual homeowners and businesses."

"Our community came together during the August flood event to support neighbors in need. Standing side by side with our first responders, every level of government continues to work together to deliver critical aid and services," Senator Pam Helming said. "This is the way government should work, for the people. Families lost everything and local infrastructure in these small communities sustained millions of dollars in damage.

"I thank Tom for his partnership and aggressive efforts on behalf of our region. This federal assistance will help our local municipalities. Together, we will continue working with the State to secure financial assistance for the homeowners and businesses impacted. We will rebuild. The people of southern Seneca County have shown that they are strong and resilient. We will recover from this natural disaster by continuing to work effectively together," Senator Helming concluded.

"This federal declaration is a critical piece of the ongoing recovery effort and we appreciate Congressman Reed's leadership in securing it," Assemblyman Phil Palmesano said. "It also remains imperative for all of us to work together with Governor Cuomo and his administration to secure additional state-level assistance for urgent local recovery efforts. This flooding has severely impacted many local homeowners, businesses and property taxpayers beyond what the federal declaration addresses. New York State has recognized this need in the past when flooding has devastated area communities, and we are working to ensure that the Cuomo administration recognizes and understands the current emergency."

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