Gov. Hochul Requests Major Federal Disaster Declaration for Damage in NYC Region Caused by September Torrential Rains

ALBANY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul requested on Wednesday a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to support the ongoing recovery of downstate communities impacted by the significant flooding occurring during a two-day period in late September. If granted by the federal government, this declaration would provide federal funding for the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, as well as Nassau and Westchester counties to cover debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

New York is also working with the U.S. Small Business Administration to obtain low-interest recovery loans for impacted businesses in Brooklyn and Nassau County as they have met the required federal thresholds.

More than seven inches of rain fell in Brooklyn, and six inches of rain fell in Manhattan and parts of Nassau and Westchester counties during a 24-hour period on Sept. 29, 2023. Gov. Hochul declared a State of Emergency for all of New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson Region on September 29, as heavy rain impacted the downstate region.

“Our state witnessed unprecedented rainfall in September that resulted in devastating flooding, causing extensive damage throughout New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley,” Gov.  Hochul said. “I’m requesting federal assistance to support our ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers recover as communities continue to deal with the fallout of this historic weather event.”

A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA's Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to local governments, tribes and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.

Following a disaster, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' (DHSES) Disaster Recovery Unit works directly with counterparts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and impacted local governments to assess damages caused by, and costs related to, the disaster. Once these assessments are complete, FEMA validates whether the state and impacted counties have reached the required federal damage thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "New York was inundated with torrential rains at the end of September, with some areas receiving more than eight inches of rain in just 24 hours. This led to widespread flood damage throughout the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, our teams worked side by side with our local partners to not only respond in the moment, but work tirelessly post-storm to ensure those impacted are able to access the federal recovery funding they deserve.”