Southern Tier Lawmakers Seek Increased State Aid for Flood-Ravaged Communities
In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby’s devastating impact last August, New York lawmakers are advocating for increased state funding to aid flood recovery efforts in the Southern Tier. The storm, which caused widespread damage and incurred significant costs for local communities, has prompted a push for greater financial assistance from the state government.
Lawmakers are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to consider a funding model similar to the one used in 2014 for Penn Yan’s flood recovery. In that instance, the state covered the local share of rebuilding costs, easing the financial burden on the affected communities.
The lawmakers argue that a similar approach is necessary for the Southern Tier, where the cumulative damage from Tropical Storm Debby is estimated to be substantial. They emphasize that local budgets cannot fully absorb the costs of recovery and rebuilding, particularly in counties like Steuben, where damages alone have reached an estimated $50 million.
While acknowledging Governor Hochul’s previous support for flood relief, the lawmakers stress that additional aid is crucial to ensure the long-term restoration of infrastructure and the revitalization of affected communities. They are hopeful that the governor will recognize the urgent need for increased state funding and respond favorably to their request.
