Congressman Langworthy Pens Letter to White House Urging FEMA Major Disaster Declaration for the Southern Tier Following Hurricane Debby Flooding
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy penned a letter to President Joe Biden urging the swift approval of New York State’s Major Disaster Declaration request following the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Debby in August 2024. Congressman Langworthy’s letter comes after New York State completed damage assessments and submitted its request today, which outlines the significant toll the storm has taken on both public infrastructure and private property, leaving many residents and businesses struggling to recover.
“After touring the hardest-hit areas and speaking directly with residents, it’s clear that the Southern Tier needs support from FEMA to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Debby,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Allegany and Steuben counties have suffered millions of dollars in damages to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure. These are communities that were still recovering from flooding in 2021 — I urge President Biden to approve this disaster declaration request so we can deliver the support these communities need to get back on their feet and start rebuilding their lives.”
Immediately following the flooding, Congressman Langworthy toured the Steuben County areas that were hardest hit, including Canisteo, Jasper-Troupsburg High School, Greenwood, Woodhull, and the Jasper sewage plant.
In his letter, Congressman Langworthy highlighted the severe damage to major roadways, including state Route 417 and county Route 36, that have left residents cut off and businesses unable to operate. The Congressman also emphasized the need for additional Individual Assistance to ensure that residents can rebuild their homes.
Read the full letter here.
Congressman Nick Langworthy represents the 23rd Congressional District of New York, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben Counties, and parts of Erie County. Visit langworthy.house.gov.
Governor Hochul asks for Federal Disaster Declaration:
If Granted, Declaration Would Provide Federal Assistance for Allegany, Broome, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Ontario, Steuben, St. Lawrence and Yates Counties
Governor Kathy Hochul today requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to support the ongoing recovery efforts of communities impacted by the severe weather caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby that occurred on August 8 – 10, 2024. If granted by the federal government, this declaration would provide federal funding for Allegany, Broome, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Ontario, Steuben, St. Lawrence and Yates counties to cover debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.
“After Tropical Storm Debby caused widespread damages across New York State, I’m requesting an emergency declaration from our federal partners to bring help to the communities in need,” Governor Hochul said. “We must provide relief to areas impacted by the storm, and my administration will take every measure necessary to ensure their speedy and full recovery.”
A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to local governments and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.
Following a disaster, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ (DHSES) Office of Disaster Recovery Programs works directly with counterparts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and impacted local governments to assess damages caused by, and costs related to, the disaster. Once these assessments are complete, FEMA validates whether the State and impacted counties have reached the required federal damage thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby produced severe rainfall causing major flooding, particularly in the Southern Tier, Central New York and the North Country. The National Weather Service observed 5.38 inches of rain in less than 12 hours in Steuben County and widespread rainfall rates of 2-2.5” per hour across multiple counties. Additionally, the National Weather Service placed a total of 17 New York counties under a flood watch, and a tornado watch was issued to 26 counties. During the event, 20 flash flood warnings were issued, including two flash flood emergencies, which indicate an imminent threat to life safety.
The heavy rainfall and flooding significantly damaged or destroyed transportation systems, critical public infrastructure and private property. Individuals were evacuated from their homes and shelters were set up by American Red Cross and local governments. Local roadways and bridges were completely submerged or washed out throughout the impacted areas, which will take weeks or months to repair. In some areas the damage to the roadways was so severe that initial assessments have been delayed. Straight line winds and microbursts uprooted mature trees and caused damages throughout the affected counties. Many roadways were deemed unpassable due to downed trees and debris or structural damage and full washouts. Heavy rainfall washed out shoulders, causing culverts to plug up which led to widespread flooding to roadways and the surrounding areas. Strong winds downed trees and damaged power lines which caused widespread power outages.
