Seward and Others Reiterate Requests for Federal Emergency Status

Mohawk Valley State Senator, James Seward, and other senators from flood devastated regions in New York State announced Friday that they have a multi-pronged strategy to assist local businesses and residents in recovery and rebuilding from the recent flooding.

The senators are reiterating their request for a federal emergency declaration that would provide assistance from FEMA to aid local governments, businesses and residents. The senators are also preparing a legislative package that will guide New York state’s long term recovery and mitigation efforts for this and future natural disasters.

"Our local emergency responders and local officials have literally been working around the clock to provide safety and well-being to area residents in the aftermath of the devastating flooding," Seward said. "Now that the immediate threat has passed it is absolutely essential that federal assistance is brought to bear to insure that the long-term cost don't further overwhelm local governments, homeowners and our business people."

Seward says it's vital that the state fills any gaps, meet any unmet needs, prepare for future natural disasters, streamline our response approach and take steps to prevent and avoid floods.