Orange County Residents Affected by the Remnants of Hurricane Ida in September Are Now Eligible to Apply for Individual Assistance from FEMA
Major Disaster Declaration for Ida Amended Following Appeal by Governor Hochul, Securing Additional Funding and Resources for New Yorkers In Need
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced residents in Orange County will be able to apply for individual disaster relief related to the historic flooding and damages caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in early September. This approval follows an appeal from Governor Hochul to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which previously denied its Individual Assistance program to Orange County. The program allows for eligible individuals and homeowners impacted by a federally declared disaster, such as Ida, to receive direct financial relief and support from FEMA.
"I am upholding my promise to New Yorkers to fight for them and secure every last dollar I can to help them rebuild and recover from this historic disaster," Governor Hochul said. "Orange County was hit hard by Ida, and this critical federal assistance will go a long way in aiding the state's recovery process. I thank our local and federal partners for continuing to work with New York and our damage assessment teams to help deliver these resources to New Yorkers in need."
FEMA's Individual Assistance program provides direct support for individuals and homeowners. New Yorkers may be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property, funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental, and childcare. Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document their losses. In counties that qualify for Individual Assistance, eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and legal services.
The State will partner with FEMA and Orange County in the establishment of a Disaster Recovery Center, which will provide valuable information to assist New Yorkers in recovery efforts and support in the process of applying for available assistance and relief. An opening date will be announced in the near future.
Additional counties approved for Individual Assistance under the Major Disaster Declaration include Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.
Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, and Westchester Counties also qualified for Public Assistance, which provides funding repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, parks, hospitals, police stations, fire houses, water and wastewater treatment facilities and other publicly owned facilities.
Governor Hochul previously announced the launch of an online resource hub for impacted New Yorkers, available at ny.gov/Ida. The hub provides information on available assistance programs and where to find services such as shelter and access to food. Information on the site will be updated as more resources for New Yorkers become available.
Governor Hochul and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to ensure New Yorkers are provided with the resources and assistance to fully recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida. The State will continue to advocate for available federal assistance for all impacted residents.
State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Thanks to FEMA for reconsidering its decision and approving Individual Assistance for New Yorkers in Orange County. This will provide essential funding and resources to those still struggling in the aftermath of Ida. I am also thankful for Governor Hochul's advocacy and the collaboration between Orange County and the Division, which was instrumental in securing this much needed disaster relief."
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer said, "This critical aid will help get Orange County families, businesses, and communities on the road to recovery. I am proud FEMA has heeded my call for this vital federal assistance to provide individuals the support they need to recover and rebuild stronger. Tropical Storm Ida devastated communities across New York, and Orange County suffered millions in damage to roads, businesses, and hundreds of homes. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure families throughout the Hudson Valley have all the resources they need to build back from Ida stronger than before."
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, ""Given the scope and historic nature of Hurricane Ida, I strongly encourage all residents of Orange County to apply for the Individual Assistance Program. I worked alongside Governor Hochul and our colleagues to unlock this emergency FEMA funding after Ida devastated homes and communities. This funding will go directly into the hands of Orange Country residents and can make the difference in helping keep your family safe today and from future storms. If you need additional assistance, my office is here to help."
Representative Sean Patrick Maloney said, "After months of advocating directly to FEMA and working with Governor Hochul and Executive Neuhaus, I am thrilled to announce that Individual Assistance is on the way for Orange County residents. I've seen first-hand the extensive damage Hurricane Ida did to folks across Orange County and this Individual Assistance will go a long way towards helping our communities get back on their feet."
Senator James Skoufis said, "After Ida carved its path across Orange County, my constituents and I worked with state and federal officials to address the substantial losses my neighbors sustained. Finally, our diligence has paid off. I am hopeful that our families - especially those in the hardest-hit communities like Washingtonville and Cornwall - will now find some measure of relief."
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said, "Thank you Governor Hochul for your tenacious efforts in securing this important help for Orange County residents impacted by this devastating hurricane."