LaLota Leads Long Island Delegation In Urging Governor Hochul to Declare State of Emergency Following Severe Flooding on Long Island

HAUPPAUGE, NY – Today, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) led the Long Island Congressional Delegation in urging Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency for Long Island in response to the devastating flooding and road collapse caused by the heavy rainfall on August 18th. The severe weather event has caused widespread damage across both Nassau and Suffolk Counties, with the collapse of a major road in Stony Brook highlighting the critical need for immediate state and federal intervention. The letter was cosigned by Long Island Congressmen Andrew Garbarino (R-Suffolk County), Tom Suozzi (D-Nassau County), and Anthony D’Esposito (R-Nassau County).

“Long Island has been hit hard by this extreme weather event, and our communities are facing significant challenges in the aftermath,” said LaLota. “The road collapse in Stony Brook is just one example of the severe damage that has occurred in our communities. By including this storm in the ongoing state of emergency declared on July 16th, Governor Hochul can unlock the resources necessary to help our residents and businesses rebuild and recover. I urge the Governor to act swiftly to address this situation.”

“The heavy rainfall, flooding, and severe damage from the recent storm that hit Long Island requires an immediate response,” said Garbarino. “That’s why we are calling on Governor Hochul to clarify that this disaster is covered by a state of emergency declaration to ensure the swift mobilization of state and federal resources.”

“Across Long Island, communities from the sound to the South Shore suffered severe damage stemming from the recent storm that swept our area, and it is now imperative that we marshal all available resources to aid in the recovery effort,” said D’Esposito. “I am calling on Governor Hochul to include this past weekend’s storm as part of a wider State of Emergency declaration in order to free up additional government support that is so desperately needed and I stand ready to assist in whatever way possible.”

To read the full letter, click HERE.

Background:

In LaLota's letter, the delegation emphasized the urgent need for additional resources to support local recovery efforts, noting that the scale of the destruction has overwhelmed local capabilities. The delegation expressed confidence that the disaster has reached the threshold required for a state of emergency declaration and called on the Governor to ensure that the affected communities receive the state and federal assistance they need to recover.

A state of emergency must be declared before the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide disaster assistance to the affected areas. This declaration is a critical step in unlocking the federal resources needed to help Long Island communities recover and rebuild in the aftermath of this severe weather event. Without it, the necessary federal aid cannot be fully activated.

Congressman LaLota and the Long Island Congressional Delegation also highlighted the importance of targeted resources for Suffolk County, where the impact of the flooding has been particularly severe. They pledged to work closely with federal, state, and local partners to ensure that the recovery process is as effective and efficient as possible.

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