Letter to Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York - Jacobs Calls for Additional Funds for Businesses Impacted by Recent Snowstorm

Letter

Dear Governor Hochul,

I write to request you submit a request to President Biden to issue a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Act for Western New York designating individual assistance following the November 2022 Great Lakes Winter Storm. I also ask you submit a request to the Small Business Administration to issue a disaster declaration pursuant to the Small Business Act. Many of the towns in my district experienced unprecedented levels of snowfall, including your hometown of Hamburg, seeing totals as high as 81 inches. This has caused serious damage to the area's infrastructure and many homes and businesses. The current emergency declaration only allows for aid such as overtime for first responders and plow drivers and more is needed.

A disaster declaration would provide Western New York with much needed additional aid for homes and businesses. It would give business owners access to the SBA Disaster Loan Program. Access to this program is critical for many hard-hit businesses in my district. I have heard from business owners whose businesses have had to be entirely torn down due to the extensive damage. They need relief now.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

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