Bishop Hails Federal Disaster Assistance for Blizzard
Congressman Tim Bishop hailed the designation of the February 8-9 blizzard as a federal disaster for Suffolk County, clearing the way for municipalities to access federal funding to offset storm response and recovery costs.
Bishop wrote a letter on April 15 to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate urging approval of the blizzard as a federal disaster due to the extraordinary snowfall that “compounded damage caused by Superstorm Sandy as well as subsequent nor’easters and snowstorms earlier this year,” Bishop wrote in his letter, which is available on his website.
The declaration makes Suffolk County and municipal governments in the county eligible to apply for reimbursements for disaster-related damages under FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program. The PA program reimburses local governments for eligible damages and costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair of public infrastructure. FEMA funds 75 percent of project costs, and the remaining 25 percent is funded by the local government.
According to Suffolk County fire, rescue and emergency services, the County has preliminary compiled claims related to the storm totaling more than $ 18 million, with approximately $3.6 million in costs to Suffolk County Department of Public Works, and $1.3 million to Brookhaven Town. The final total could be higher.
“I applaud the decision to speed clearly-needed federal relief to Long Island for the effects of this devastating blizzard,” said Congressman Bishop. “This was a particularly challenging event, but our area is especially vulnerable to severe winter storms and I will continue to fight for our fair share of federal help when disaster strikes.”