by M.C. Millman

A Major Disaster Declaration was approved yesterday, enabling critical federal assistance to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Rockland and other counties affected by the severe storms and flooding on July 9 and 10.

The declaration will provide access to financial support for local government for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to buildings and critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, schools, parks, and other facilities.

“Today's approval of disaster assistance for Rockland, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties will release much-needed relief to help these communities recover," says Congressman Lawler. "However, portions of Westchester County, including Yorktown, which I visited with local officials after the storm passed, were absolutely devastated and are also in need of federal assistance. Additionally, many residents and businesses remain in limbo as they await federal assistance. I ask that the Biden Administration move expeditiously on any and all outstanding requests."

 "On July 10th, I surveyed impacted areas across the Hudson Valley with state, local, and federal officials. It was immediately clear that the damage from the weekend's storms was massive and would be in the tens of millions of dollars. Since that time, I have been emphatic in calling for the Governor to request a major disaster declaration and for the President to swiftly approve such a request for all four of the 17th District's counties. I will continue working with my colleagues in Washington as well as the state and local officials on the ground as I have been since the storms hit. We must ensure our communities get all the resources they need to recover and rebuild."