(Rome, NY – Sept. 3, 2013) Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-C-IP, Rome) on today’s announcement that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has pushed back the application deadline for Mohawk Valley municipalities and non-profit groups to apply for rebuilding aid after requests from State Officials:
“While I’m disappointed that FEMA did not grant a request for individual assistance to homeowners and small businesses, I think that extending the deadline is the right decision. As late as today, my office continues to get daily calls asking questions on where to go for assistance.
Local emergency responders and municipal officials worked around the clock to provide for the safety and well-being of our residents in the aftermath of devastating flooding. Now that the immediate threat has passed, it is essential that federal assistance is brought to bear to ensure that long-term costs don’t further overwhelm local governments, homeowners and businesspeople. The state will step in, if the feds fail to do so in a timely fashion. It is also vital that we, as a state, prepare for future natural disasters and streamline our response.”