LaValle Calls on President to Expand Disaster Assistance For Suffolk County

Kenneth P. LaValle

September 1, 2011

New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today called upon President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expand federal disaster assistance available to  Suffolk  County so that home and business owners can apply for federal assistance.

While localities in Suffolk will be eligible to receive federal assistance to pay for storm related road, bridge and infrastructure repairs, home and business owners were not included on the list for disaster assistance.

“Some residents of Suffolk have extensive damages from the storm,” Senator LaValle said.  “I am urging the federal government to provide whatever assistance is needed to help people recover.”

Governor Cuomo requested that a total of 26 counties be declared disaster areas.  FEMA declared that individuals in only seven counties are eligible to apply for federal grants and low interest loans. 

“I am calling on the federal government to expand its declaration of disaster areas and not leave residents of Suffolk behind,” LaValle said.