Gary D. Finch

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY                                                   CONTACT: MATT MOYSE (518) 455-5981

ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH URGES FEMA TO APPROVE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AID FOR TIOGA COUNTY
 

     Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R, C -- Springport) urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve, without any further delay, funds to assist towns and villages in Tioga County in fixing
municipal facilities and in helping to pay for the costs associated with the massive cleanup from last week’s flood.

     Homeowners, renters, and business owners throughout the Southern Tier have suffered millions in losses, Finch said. Gov. Pataki has set aside $35 million in state assistance for flood victims, including $25 million
that is specifically allocated for grants of up to $5,000 for those affected. Applications are now available at our temporary Tioga County office at 179 Front Street in Owego, or by going on-line at www.labor.state.ny.us.

     “The state’s response to this disaster has been tremendous since the flood waters first began to rise, and these grants will assist residents of Tioga County get a semblance of order back in their lives,” Finch said. “Coupled with the resilience of those affected, and the help they are receiving on a daily basis from their neighbors, the community’s response to this tragedy will prove, over time, to be a source of pride
for those living in the Southern Tier.”

     Sadly, more needs to be done on the federal level, according to Finch. While FEMA has approved Individual Assistance funds to help with Tioga County residents’ immediate needs, FEMA has not yet approved Public Assistance funds -- federal reimbursement sent to towns, villages, and counties for infrastructure repairs, the cost of emergency protective measures, debris removal, and more.

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7.02.06