Politics on the Hudson

More from Sen. Schumer, whose press release shouts: “SCHUMER CALLS ON FEMA TO EXPEDITE AID FOR DELUGED COUNTIES AFTER FREAK APRIL NOR’ EASTER.”

In a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the senior New York senator asks the agency to expedite disaster assessments for the area, required to release federal aid dollars.

“There is no question that these counties need aid right away to begin the recovery from the storms,� Schumer said in a statement. “As the scope of this disaster widens, we need a swift response from FEMA and I will hold FEMA’s feet to the fire to ensure any and all aid flows quickly.�

The text of his letter to the FEMA Director David Paulison follows:

April 16, 2007

The Honorable R. David Paulison
Under Secretary of Homeland Security

For Emergency Preparedness and Response
Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Undersecretary Paulison:

As you already know, a crippling Nor’easter slammed areas of New York State this weekend. This untimely storm has already caused immense damage, and the drenching rain and fierce winds have not yet stopped. It is my understanding that the situation in Westchester County is dire enough that Governor Spitzer has declared it to be in a state of emergency. He is now seeking technical assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess the extent of the damage caused by the storm. I urge you to ensure that the preliminary disaster assessments (PDAs) are completed as quickly as possible so that the residents, businesses and governments in the County can move forward with their cleanup and restoration efforts without fear of having to bear the financial burden alone.
The nor’easter has shattered the previous record for rainfall on April 15th with 7.81 inches. The former record of 1.8 inches was logged over a century ago, in 1906. Wind gusts have reached 48 mph, causing downed power lines and leaving more than 10,000 households without power. The storm has required the evacuation of hundreds of residents from their homes and forced many to craft boats in order to navigate the flooded streets. Flooding has caused the closure of major parkways, disrupted commuter train service and stranded passengers at major airports after 500 flights were canceled. Farmers in the Hudson Valley now must cope with flooded fields just before their planting season comes to a close.

The extent of the damage is not yet known, and the State requires immediate assistance in helping to assess how timely and costly recovery will be. I urge you expeditiously complete the PDAs and to do everything required to assist those hit by the severe storms.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Stacey Warady, in my office, at (202) 224-7276. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

_
Charles E. Schumer

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