Rep. Katko, FEMA Acting Administrator Gaynor Visit Lake Ontario Shoreline to Assess Damage, Discuss Mitigation Process
Statement
U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) was today joined by Pete Gaynor, Acting Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to view damage along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Rep. Katko and Acting Administrator Gaynor also participated in a discussion with state and local officials, as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, on the impact of flooding locally.
"I have consistently advocated for action at the federal and state level to address high water levels plaguing our shoreline communities," said Rep. Katko. "I was glad to welcome FEMA Acting Administrator Gaynor to our community today to view the damage firsthand, and to discuss the recovery and mitigation process with local officials who are on the ground working to make necessary repairs. There's no question that addressing this situation requires a coordination at the local, state, and federal level and today's discussion is a step forward as we continue our work to address the very real threat that sustained flooding poses to our region."
In addition to today's visit, Rep. Katko earlier this year invited the International Joint Commission (IJC) Commissioners to view the shoreline flooding firsthand, and to urge action and relief for coastal communities. Rep. Katko has consistently worked to raise awareness on this issue and has called for expanded federal resources to support impacted families and businesses.
"I also announced introduction of bipartisan legislation to address disaster relief," continued Rep. Katko. "The Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act, developed in coordination with the American Flood Coalition, would designate permanent disaster assessment teams within FEMA to work with state and local officials on determining the impact of disasters and submitting requests for major disaster declarations. This legislation would draw specific attention to the unique circumstances surrounding severe flooding events like those experienced along the Lake Ontario shoreline."
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