Lowey Champions Plans to Help Flood Victims and Stave off Future Flooding

Lowey Champions Plans to Help Flood Victims and Stave off Future Flooding

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) today toured storm damage with Senator Chuck Schumer, Colonel Aniello L. Tortora of the Army Corps of Engineers, and other local officials to highlight the need for a federal disaster declaration and a long-term comprehensive strategy to curb devastating flooding that has repeatedly hit Westchester County over the past two years.

Lowey, Schumer, Senator Clinton and other members of the Congressional delegation have called on President Bush to make a major disaster declaration as requested by Governor Spitzer two days ago.

"First and foremost, it is critical that the President issue a disaster declaration as quickly as possible in order to begin the flow of federal flood assistance in the area," Lowey said. "In addition, the disastrous flooding in our region underscores how critical long-term planning is. Our communities have been hit hard and repeatedly this year by flooding. I am working to ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers has the ability to assist us in developing a countywide plan to curb flooding in the future."

Lowey also highlighted the importance of getting small businesses reopened and back on their feet. In a letter sent yesterday to SBA Administrator Steven Preston, Lowey called on the SBA to immediately take steps so that businesses in the affected areas may report damage and begin the process to receive the various forms of assistance offered by SBA. Congresswoman Lowey repeated that call today.

"People's livelihoods are at stake," Lowey continued. "The Small Business Administration must do everything it can to help businesses ravaged by this storm as quickly as possible. SBA should not wait on the President to decide about a disaster declaration before it starts working with businesses on relief efforts."

In recent weeks, the House of Representatives has passed bills that would help address several flood-related challenges facing local communities. Last month, Lowey voted for legislation to provide over $15 billion in funds to address water infrastructure needs and solve sewer overflow problems. This week, she supported the Small Business Recovery Act to force SBA to develop a comprehensive disaster response plan, maintain a trained disaster reserve corps, increase loan limits from $1.5 million to $3 million, and expand the scope of businesses that can qualify for SBA disaster loans.

Source