Governor Hochul Secures Approval from Federal Government for Dutchess County Federal Individual Disaster Assistance

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced residents in Dutchess County are eligible to apply for FEMA's Individual Assistance program as part of the previously declared Major Disaster Declaration for the devastating flooding and damages caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in early September. This approval for Individual Assistance allows FEMA to provide direct financial relief and support for eligible individuals and homeowners.

"Last month I witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by this historic storm, and I promised New Yorkers we'd do everything we could to support them during their recovery process," Governor Hochul said. "We have now secured Individual Assistance for residents in Dutchess and eight other counties thanks to the local, state and federal damage assessment teams who have been working tirelessly to secure this critical assistance. I thank those teams for their efforts and our partners at FEMA who continue to support our state's recovery."

"Tropical Storm Ida devastated communities across New York, and Dutchess County suffered millions in damage to roads, businesses, and hundreds of homes," said Senator Chuck Schumer. "While I will continue to fight to get Dutchess County homes, businesses and communities on the road to recovery, I am proud FEMA has heeded my call for this vital federal assistance to provide families the support they need to recover and rebuild stronger. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure families throughout the Hudson Valley have all the resources they need to build back stronger than before."

"Now, residents of Dutchess County have access to significant emergency FEMA funding and can begin to build and recover from Hurricane Ida," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "Given the scope and historic nature of this storm, I, along with members of the New York congressional delegation and Governor Hochul, requested this crucial measure as part of the Major Disaster Declaration for New York State to help families and communities recover from the significant damages caused by flooding. I will continue fighting to lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future."

"Securing all the federal assistance available to make a full recovery in the wake of Hurricane Ida has been a top priority for me in Washington. Delivering FEMA Individual Assistance to Dutchess County is a key step in the right direction," said Representative Sean Patrick Maloney. "I have been working closely with local officials, communicating with the White House and Governor's Office to get our towns, villages, and counties robust federal funding, but we're not done yet. I will continue to fight to ensure the rest of my constituents in the Hudson Valley get the help they need."

"Since the moment Hurricane Ida struck our communities, I have been fighting to secure assistance and support for upstate residents," said Representative Antonio Delgado. "I am proud to help deliver both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance to folks in Dutchess County. I encourage residents to apply for FEMA assistance and contact my office with any questions."

"This is very welcome news for the citizens and business owners throughout Dutchess County who were impacted by Hurricane Ida almost two months ago," said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. "Our Department of Emergency Response has worked tirelessly to secure site visits to damaged areas and collect damage estimates from residents and business owners to receive this additional financial support from FEMA. Thanks to our efforts, residents and businesses now have an avenue to receive financial assistance to help them recover."

Individual Assistance provides direct support for individuals and homeowners. New Yorkers may be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property, funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental, and child care. Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document their losses. In counties that qualify for Individual Assistance, eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and legal services.

The State will partner with FEMA and Dutchess County in the establishment of a Disaster Recovery Center, which will provide valuable information to assist New Yorkers in recovery efforts and support in the process of applying for available assistance and relief.

Additional counties approved for Individual Assistance under the Major Disaster Declaration include Bronx, Kings, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.

Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, and Westchester Counties also qualify for Public Assistance, which provides funding repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, parks, hospitals, police stations, fire houses, water and wastewater treatment facilities and other publicly owned facilities.

Governor Hochul and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to ensure New Yorkers are provided with the resources and assistance to fully recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida.

Preliminary Damage Assessment support continues with counties that were impacted by Ida. The State will continue to advocate for available federal assistance for all impacted residents.

Governor Hochul previously announced the launch of the new online resource hub for impacted New Yorkers, available at ny.gov/Ida. The hub provides information on available assistance programs and where to find services such as shelter and access to food. Information on the site will be updated as more resources for New Yorkers become available.

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