September 3, 2026
FROM GOV. KATHY HOCHUL: “Another day, another denial of critical federal assistance for New York by the Trump Administration. Just one day after calling out President Trump and Secretary Mullin for continuing to withhold $87 million in counterterrorism funding, my Administration was informed today that FEMA has officially denied our appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration following the February blizzard that caused more than $168 million in damages and placed a serious financial burden on communities across New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson. This storm met every FEMA threshold for federal assistance, yet the Trump Administration continues to play political games and betray every New Yorker who believes that the federal government is there to protect and support them. By refusing to intervene and grant our request, President Trump has told every New Yorker who weathered this major storm and the first responders, utility crews and emergency management staff who worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe that you do not matter to him. But let’s be clear, Republican members of Congress across New York are also enabling this neglect. Their continued silence and refusal to break with the President is a direct betrayal of the communities they were elected to serve. It is past time these members of congress demand that the President grant this disaster declaration and deliver every dollar of relief their constituents are owed. While President Trump continues to turn his back on his home state, I will always fight on behalf of every New Yorker to ensure they have the support from their government that they deserve.”
FROM FEMA: Today, FEMA announced the approval of more than $7 million in post-disaster funding for Public Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects in New York. These programs empower states, local communities, tribes and territories to recover from disasters and to protect infrastructure from future events. With this funding, President Donald J. Trump is keeping his promise to reform federal disaster support and ensure that taxpayer money is spent only on projects that deliver safety and security to the American people. The funding approved today includes more than $6.8 million under FEMA’s Public Assistance program. FEMA disburses this money to states and local communities because they are best positioned to know how these funds will be most effectively spent. The funded projects include repairs to critical infrastructure, restoration of public buildings, road repairs and reimbursement for costs incurred to ensure public health and safety after a disaster.
Examples of projects reimbursed through Public Assistance funding approved today include: Nearly $1.9 million to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for permanent repairs to the Queensboro Water Treatment Plant and storm-damaged roads, culverts, ditches, wing walls and related infrastructure following severe storms and flooding in July 2023. Nearly $1.7 million to St. Lawrence County for permanent repairs to the County Route 54 McEwen Corner Bridge following damage from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. More than $1.2 million to the Town of Edwards for repairs to storm-damaged gravel road surfaces, subbases, shoulders, backfill, culverts and guardrails on Ames Road and Campbell Road following the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. Nearly $822,000 to the Town of Roxbury for repairs to storm-damaged road bases, surfaces, ditches, shoulders and culverts on Cal Grant Road and Deerfield Road following the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. FEMA is also awarding nearly $637,000 for a project in New York that will prevent, eliminate or reduce future disaster-related damage. This money is being distributed through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Through this program, state, local or territorial governments and Tribal Nations take proactive mitigation measures such as acquiring hazard-prone homes and businesses, adopting and enforcing building codes and standards, protecting against floods through elevations and drainage improvement projects, building safe rooms and upgrading utilities and infrastructure.
The project reimbursed through Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding approved today includes:
Nearly $637,000 for the Lewis County Flood Resilience Study and Recommendations project to strengthen recovery capacity at the community level through advance assistance, education and outreach.
FEMA coordinates directly with the state on all hazard mitigation projects. This aligns with FEMA’s principles of ensuring that disaster recovery and mitigation is state-led and federally supported.
These projects are the latest examples of billions of dollars in disaster recovery provided by FEMA to support state and local communities as they work to rebuild from recent natural disasters.
FEMA continues its renewed commitment to help communities recover from disasters like hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes and wildfires while making them more resilient to future disasters.
