Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) today announced that local governments in Westchester and Rockland Counties have received $35,338,879 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance grants to help with the cost of their response to Sandy.

Communities in Rockland have received $8,927,889 in FEMA Public Assistance grants. Communities in Westchester County have received $26,410,990. Local governments continue to apply for funding, and additional grants are expected in the coming months.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses state, tribal and local governments for the cost of emergency responses. Many of the funds awarded through the Public Assistance program come from the Disaster Relief Fund, which was increased through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, a bipartisan bill passed by Congress in January to help states affected by Sandy. Congresswoman Lowey, the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, helped lead the bipartisan effort to pass the full assistance package.

Congresswoman Lowey had also called for FEMA to increase its reimbursement to local communities through the Public Assistance program from 75% to 90%, expanding the overall amount of aid available. President Obama approved the plan in May to apply retroactively, so that all eligible communities, including those who had already received aid, are reimbursed for 90% of their costs through the program.

“One of the most important roles of our federal government is to help communities get back on their feet in the wake of a devastating natural disaster like Superstorm Sandy,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “This badly-needed FEMA aid has been critical in helping our region rebuild and recover. Because the cost of responding to Sandy placed tremendous burdens on local governments, this aid has also helped protect local taxpayers.”

“Only days after the storm, Representative Lowey stood with us in Piermont amongst the debris and vowed to help get our Village and our businesses back on their feet,”said Piermont Mayor Chris Sanders. “We have received almost $200,000 in relief to cover the initial clean-up effort and are pleased that we’ll receive additional funding for this work. We are also looking forward to the much-needed mitigation funding to help pay for projects that will protect Piermont from the damage from future storms. After eight months since the storm, our collective focus turns to rebuilding Piermont better, stronger and smarter.”

“Irvington’s waterfront, including our beautiful parks, was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy. Congresswoman Lowey came to view the damage herself within an hour of my call to her office,” said Village of Irvington Mayor Brian Smith. “We appreciate her unwavering support and advocacy with FEMA and other federal agencies. As we move from recovery to mitigating future disasters, it is comforting to know we have supporter on the federal level with Congresswoman Lowey.”

“The Town of Orangetown is extremely grateful to Congresswoman Nita Lowey for receiving more than $1.2m in FEMA funding reimbursement for debris removal and emergency measures in preparation for Hurricane Sandy. According to FEMA, Orangetown was the first municipality in Rockland County to be approved for payment and received funding in record breaking time,” said Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart. “Through the diligent efforts of various Town departments to quickly provide detailed audited expenses to FEMA, the Town was able to minimize the costs associated with unanticipated expenses from the storm.”

“I’m grateful to Congresswoman Lowey and to FEMA for providing the Public Assistance money, which is sorely needed in Piermont. The damage here was significant. Businesses suffered and some still haven’t recovered,” said Assemblywomen Ellen Jaffee (District 37). “Residents and businesses will be better protected next time, thanks to Congresswoman Lowey. Given the frequency of extreme weather events, we know there will be a next time.”

“The support Harrison has received through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program has been essential as we have recovered from Sandy, and I am grateful for Congresswoman Lowey’s support and advocacy,” said Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont. “These funds will help ensure that local taxpayers do not pay a price for the costs associated with Harrison’s response to Sandy. I hope that we can have access to further assistance to mitigate the threat of future storms. ”

“Without Congresswoman Lowey’s help and assistance, we would not have been able to make the necessary repairs,” said Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Philips. “Her leadership is invaluable.”

“The City of White Plains is fortunate to have an effective and astute representative in Washington in Congresswoman Lowey. She has assisted us in securing over $1.7 million from FEMA to help the City recover from Superstorm Sandy,” said White Plains Mayor Tom Roach. “This includes reimbursement for City police, fire, public works, and sewer and water expenses incurred directly as a result of the storm.”

Lowey also highlighted her push to secure additional aid for affected communities and infrastructure improvements to help mitigate the impact of future disasters. This includes advocating that communities in Westchester and Rockland Counties receive their fair share of disaster recovery assistance funds through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Congresswoman Lowey is also advocating for $3.5 billion in funding for infrastructure improvements to public transit available through the Department of Transportation to be based on demonstrated needs on the ground.

“While much progress has been made, the recovery for many Lower Hudson Valley homeowners and businesses continues. That is why I will continue to fight for additional aid for local communities,” added Congresswoman Lowey. “We must also continue to invest in our infrastructure so that our region is better prepared for future disasters.”

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)