Federal government approves NY’s request for disaster declaration over Tropical Storm Fred remnants

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The federal government has finally made a decision on New York’s request for a disaster declaration.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the request for communities damaged by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred back in August.

The remnants caused flooding that led to many streets in Steuben County closing for several days for cleanup, as well as damage to buildings and homes in Steuben and Yates counties.

Both will be getting assistance.

The declaration makes federal funding available to governments and non-profit organizations working to bounce back from the storm.

While the request for a disaster declaration was approved, Steuben County’s request for individual assistance was denied.

Gov. Kathy Hochul released the following statement on the denial on Tuesday night:

"We must do everything in our power to help New Yorkers recover and rebuild from natural disasters. We will immediately appeal FEMA’s decision on Individual Assistance for Steuben County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Fred. The people of Steuben County have suffered enough, and it is our duty to work together to secure the federal funding they deserve."