Governor Hochul Requests Federal Emergency Declaration for 14 Downstate Counties

Press Release

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced she has requested a Federal Emergency Declaration for 14 downstate counties following the widespread damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The declaration was requested for the following counties: Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Once granted, the State will receive federal aid in the form of personnel, equipment, supplies and financial assistance to help with the continued response, rescue and recovery efforts necessary to save lives and protect public health and safety. Additionally, once granted individuals will be eligible for temporary housing and funeral assistance. The request for the Federal Emergency Declaration is available here.

Earlier this morning, Governor Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency for those 14 counties and directed additional State agency assets to the Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island regions to help communities recover after the remnants of Hurricane Ida passed through the Downstate area Wednesday night and delivered historic rainfall totals, sparking flash floods, power outages and life-threatening conditions in several areas.

"New York City and the downstate region were devastated by record-shattering rainfall that caused dangerous flash flooding, destroying buildings and infrastructure and leaving individuals stranded," Governor Hochul said. "We are still in the process of uncovering the true depth of the destruction that was done by this historic weather event. As we continue with our recovery efforts and begin to further assess the damage, I am formally requesting an emergency declaration from the federal government to ensure that we get the financial assistance and any other help we may need for our citizens and businesses who were affected by this storm."

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