Biden approves federal funding to support New York’s recovery from Ida flooding damage

NEW YORK (WHEC) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday that President Biden approved an expedited Major Disaster Declaration that will help provide federal funding for local governments and New Yorkers that are recovering from the flooding damage caused by Hurricane Ida.

The declaration will provide money for temporary housing, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, home repairs, and legal services for those who have been displaced.

"I want to be targeted, bring all the resources to bare to help these people who will now need to help getting their lives back in order. Finding that shelter, finding food, finding new sneakers for the little kids to wear, and ultimately getting that FEMA assistance. And what I’m requesting from the president is what is known as not just public assistance, but individual assistance. That will give direct money for people to rebuild their homes, " Hochul said.

The counties included in the declaration for individual assistance are Bronx, Queens, Kings, Richmond, and Westchester. At this time, New York County is included for public assistance only.

Ida’s price tag is far from final but Governor Kathy Hochul says federal officials have gathered enough estimates to start requesting financial assistance.