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WASHINGTON—Rep.
John E. Sweeney (R-Clifton Park) sent a letter this week to Acting
Undersecretary of the Federal Emergency Management Agency R. David
Paulison, urging them to reconsider their decision to deny New York
State’s request for emergency aid for 12 counties affected by
severe weather earlier this summer.
“Earlier this year severe storms caused over $22 million in
damages within a 12-county area in New York,” said Rep. Sweeney.
“If left to fend for themselves, the relief effort would
represent an enormous financial burden on the affected communities.
It’s essential we ensure that in the wake of Katrina, the federal
government continues to address the emergency needs of our communities
here at home.”
In his Sept. 19 letter to Paulison, Sweeney said:
“It has come to my attention that a request from Gov. George
Pataki seeking federal emergency aid for 12-counties in New York State
was denied.
Earlier this summer the State was ravaged by severe weather causing
devastation to infrastructure and property in several counties, towns
and villages. The destruction has caused over $22 million in damages to
the affected counties, towns and villages. As you can imagine, this is
a huge financial blow to these municipal entities.
“I understand the situation we face in the South in the wake of
Hurricane Katrina; however we can not lose sight of the other States
that also need federal emergency assistance to help put the pieces of
weather torn communities back together. It is impossible for these
governments to bare the entire financial burden without experience
long-term negative financial impact to its residents. That is why
financial assistance from your organization is absolutely necessary for
them to fully recover. I am aware that the State of New York filed an
appeal of their denial for federal assistance. I am requesting that
your organization thoroughly re-evaluate New York States request for
emergency assistance.
“In
addition, I would also like to request a personal meeting with the
appropriate expert to review the process that FEMA followed to issue
the denial of federal designation. I look forward to the opportunity to
discuss this with you at your earliest convenience”. 9-20-05
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