ALBANY--- President Bush has approved New York State's request and has issued a major disaster declaration, making federal recovery assistance available to homeowners, renters and small businesses in Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties following last weekend's devastating spring storm.

Meanwhile, federally-required damage assessments continue in New York City and 12 counties to determine eligibility for assistance for response costs, debris removal and damage to public infrastructure.

"Today's announcement of a major disaster declaration is great news as it will provide much-needed federal assistance for homeowners, renters and small businesses in the flood-ravaged areas," said Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

The declaration triggers the implementation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program and Other Needs Assistance Programs for the three declared counties. This assistance provides grants for temporary housing and rental assistance, home repairs, and other disaster-related needs. Also being provided is disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and the maximum allowable assistance to individuals and businesses from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Federal and State disaster assistance covers basic needs that are not insured.

Individuals can register for federal disaster aid by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those who are hearing or speech impaired may call TTY at 1-800-462-7585. Storm victims may also register for disaster assistance on-line at www.fema.gov.

"While we are working closely with local governments throughout the flood ravaged areas to recover from the storm, I urge individuals in the declared counties to help themselves by registering with FEMA as soon as possible." the Governor said.

In response to the storm, the Governor directed the implementation of the State Disaster Preparedness Plan and activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Albany to coordinate the appropriate action to protect state property and to assist affected local governments and individuals in responding to and recovering from this storm. Additionally, the Governor activated thousands of National Guardsmen the weekend of April 14-15 to join the thousands of women and men from State agencies who were deployed in storm response operations and continue in recovery efforts. 4-25-07

© 2007 North Country Gazette