Higgins seeks fed. disaster declaration

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - More help is on the way for southern tier flood victims.

Congressman Brian Higgins has formally requested a federal disaster declaration for the flood-ravaged Southern Tier and the National Guard is already joining the relief effort.

Watch the video for News 4's Joe Arena's live report from News 4 at Noon on  the latest relief efforts.

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RELEASE

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) sent a letter to President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) formally requesting “Individual Assistance” for Western New York residents impacted by the severe floods that hit the area August 8 – 10, 2009 as well as federal assistance for local municipalities available with a Presidential disaster declaration.

>> read Congressman Higgins' letter to President Obama here

 “The devastation left by the flooding in Southern Erie, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties, as I witnesses first hand in Silver Creek on Tuesday, produced unimaginable destruction to homes, businesses, infrastructure and municipal facilities” said Congressman Higgins. “People here have lost everything – their homes, cars and belongings. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide critical resources to restore and rebuild these great communities.”

 The State Emergency Management office will be taking inventory of the regional destruction and determining if damages reach the financial threshold required for a Presidential disaster declaration. Following the federal designation FEMA may authorize aid through the individual assistance and public assistance programs.

Through FEMA’s Individuals and Households program residents living in Presidential Disaster Areas designated for individual assistance would be eligible to apply for financial assistance toward housing and other essential needs.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program local governments receive aid to support and expedite response and recovery.

“Every personal story of tragic loss brings with it another account of neighborhoods and communities coming together to help one another, a clear demonstration of Western New York’s resilience. I commend the hundreds of people from dozens of agencies participating in clean-up and emergency response,” added Congressman Higgins.