for all residents impacted by recent storm
Goshen, N.Y. - Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus on Tuesday voiced his strong support for a resolution submitted by the Legislature requesting additional Federal and State assistance to all individuals, businesses, and farmers impacted by the recent flooding and related destruction in the County.
Many of these residents, as well as the businesses and farmers, do not have sufficient insurance coverage or other governmental assistance to mitigate their financial losses related to the flooding.
“Our Federal and State governments need to prioritize helping Orange County residents who suffered significant hardships as a result of the storm,” Neuhaus said. “I, along with the Legislature, will continue to advocate for all County residents impacted by the historic rainfall earlier this month, and we ask for our State and Federal partners to step up and assist us during this time of crisis.”
Approximately 1,100 County residents and 40 businesses have submitted individual and/or business damage assessment forms, only a portion of which have been deemed income eligible under the Governor’s Flood Assistance Program. These individuals and businesses may only be able to receive very limited private funding assistance. Although some private properties may receive Federal and State funding, or private assistance to help them to recover and restore those properties, a significant number of individuals, businesses, and farmers do not have the insurance, private funding, or Federal or State aid to help them rebuild from the damage caused by the storm.
“It is misleading for the Governor and the State to announce funding for storm damage relief for Orange County residents when in reality the criteria for qualifying excludes most of the people in dire need of assistance,” said Katie Bonelli, Chairwoman of the Orange County Legislature. “We implore all our State representatives in Albany to carefully review this action and make adjustments that will truly assist our residents.”
“Under the current criteria for receiving assistance, most people do not qualify,” added Legislator Kevin Hines, Chairman of the Public Safety and Emergency Services Committee. “That must change. We are asking our Federal and State partners to show what government can do when it truly wants to help the people who need it the most.”
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