New York's two U.S. senators kept up their campaigns for federal disaster aid Thursday in separate statements.
Sen. Chuck Schumer called on FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate to immediately send trailers to communities in which houses were destroyed as a result of Hurricane Irene.
Schumer highlighted the flooding in the Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, Catskills, Capitol region and North Country.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already provided housing assistance to homeowners and other displaced people in Albany, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Schenectady, Schoharie and Ulster counties.
"Irene has completely destroyed homes and wiped towns off the map," Schumer said. "Displaced homeowners and their families need to have a safe and secure place to stay while we rebuild after the storm, and it's up to FEMA to fill gaps where local resources fall short.
"With homeowners trying to figure out which way to turn, FEMA needs to step up to the plate and provide emergency housing options and clear direction to local authorities and flood victims about how to access the housing options. I strongly urge Administrator Fugate to send trailers to affected communities as quickly as possible, so that every victim from the flood has a place to live and keep their belongings."
In an additional plea, Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand wrote to Office of Management and Budget Director Jack Lew, asking the Obama administration to seek enough funding for the Disaster Relief Fund to cover the cost of damage to New York communities.
"Helping communities rebuild after devastating storms like Irene is exactly what the federal government should be doing," said Schumer. "Early estimates put the damage at $1 billion in New York, and as waters recede further, who knows how high it could climb."
Next week, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee is set to begin consideration of the FY2012 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which will help determine the funding levels for the disaster relief fund, among other homeland security accounts.
Hurricane Irene
Sens. Schumer, Gillibrand campaign for disaster aid
- Hurricane Irene
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Red Cross closes last shelter but aid efforts continue
Aid efforts for flood victims continue throughout the region as individuals and organizations tend to the needs of the thousands affected by last weekend's storms and flooding.
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Disaster relief
The Daily Star is compiling information about aid available to flood victims, and relief efforts being undertaken by local individuals and organizations. To add to this list, email news@thedailystar.com or call 432-1000, ext. 217.
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Red Cross closes last Delaware County shelter
Aid efforts for flood victims continue throughout the region as individuals and organizations tend to the needs of the thousands affected by last weekend’s storms and flooding.
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Schoharie couple recall night of flood, pick up pieces
SCHOHARIE _ It begins as a tiny stream on the north slope of 3,573-foot Indian Head Mountain in the Eastern Catskills.
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Some area NYSEG customers still without power
Although two local utilities report having restored nearly all power to customers affected by Tropical Storm Irene more than a week ago, hundreds of local customers are among those who remain without power.
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Week in Review: Hurricane Irene aftermath
Hurricane Irene dominated the news locally as well as nationally this week.
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Hurricane Irene caused damage but brought community together
I often say that being a news editor is never boring. The past week has been a vivid example of just what I mean.
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Delaware County offers transportation to victims of Irene
In a press release, the Delaware County Human Services Departments announced today that they have arranged for free public transportation for victims of Hurricane Irene to travel to the Disaster Assistance Service Center at Belleayre Ski Center in High Mount and two area grocery stores.
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disaster Aid and assistance
The Daily Star is compiling information about aid available to flood victims, and relief efforts being undertaken by local individuals and organizations. To add to this list, email news@thedailystar.com or call 432-1000, ext. 217.
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Delaware flood center offers laundry, showers, food
The Delaware County Flood Recovery Center is open at Belleayre Ski Center, according to a media release from the Delaware County Office of Emergency Services.
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Area residents may have power restored by the weekend
Most area residents still without power should have service restored by the weekend, but some repairs are taking longer than originally estimated, according to figures provided by two utilities Thursday afternoon.
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Public transportation arranged for local Irene victims
In a press release, the Delaware County Human Services Departments announced today that they have arranged for free public transportation for victims of Hurricane Irene to travel to the Disaster Assistance Service Center at Belleayre Ski Center in High Mount and two area grocery stores.
The Disaster Assistance Service Center is a three-county service center for Delaware, Greene and Ulster counties.
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Free laundry, batteries in Cobleskill
Free laundry service and device recharging will be available in Cobleskill today and tomorrow.
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Area volunteers deliver needed relief
Teams of Salvation Army, American Red Cross and Catholic Charities volunteers have been delivering supplies and water to help victims in Delaware County, which was left a disaster area by Hurricane Irene winds and rain, official said Thursday.
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disaster Aid and assistance
The Daily Star is compiling information about aid available to flood victims, and relief efforts being undertaken by local individuals and organizations. To add to this list, email news@thedailystar.com or call 432-1000, ext. 217.
- Delaware County officials urge residents to apply for help
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Sens. Schumer, Gillibrand campaign for disaster aid
New York's two U.S. senators kept up their campaigns for federal disaster aid Thursday in separate statements.
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Power to be restored to local counties in next few days
Customers in the local four counties continue to be among those still missing power in large numbers, but many will have service restored within the next few days, according to figures provided by two utilities on Thursday afternoon.
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Red Cross opens three day centers
The American Red Cross has opened day centers in the region for area residents affected by flooding. The following centers are open until 6 p.m. today, and will serve hot meals at 5 p.m.
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Area officials welcome federal disaster assistance
President Barack Obama's declaration of a state of emergency in Delaware, Schoharie and other counties affected by Hurricane Irene was seen as good news by those interviewed Wednesday. Two Democratic senators urged more action for farmers in the affected counties.
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Over 10,000 NYSEG customers still without power in area
Work continued to restore electrical service to the thousands without power in the region on Tuesday, but many remain without service, with some scheduled to wait until next week for restoration.
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NYSEG announces timetable for repairs
NYSEG has released estimated restoration times for the first time since Hurricane Irene swept through the region.
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Meals available in Otsego County
Otsego County is offering meal sites in Oneonta and Unadilla today.
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Interstate 88 exits reopened
Interstate 88 in Schoharie County between exit 22 for Cobleskill and Middleburgh and exit 23 for Central Bridge and Schoharie has been re-opened, the state Department of Transportation said Wednesday afternoon.
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AP: President declares disaster for eight upstate counties
President Barack Obama has declared a disaster in New York after Tropical Storm Irene, freeing up federal recovery funds for area counties, according to the Associated Press.
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Red Cross closes last shelter but aid efforts continue
