LaLota, Garbarino, and D’Esposito Call on Hochul to Request Major Disaster Declaration Ahead of Winter Storm Finn

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. Nick LaLota (NY-01), Andrew Garbarino(NY-02), and Anthony D’Esposito (NY-03), members of the Homeland Security Committee, sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul calling on her to request a Major Disaster Declaration from the White House and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support our constituents as they face Winter Storm Finn. The request comes after Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared states of emergency ahead of the Winter Storm Finn.

“Winter Storm Finn is expected to hit Long Island hard, especially Suffolk County, and we need to make sure our communities have the resources they need. FEMA needs to be able to swiftly provide Long Island support and ensure our residents are supported,” said LaLota. “While the full extent of damages will not be known for days, requesting this declaration now will allow New Yorkers to be better prepared for the recovery phase. I’m calling on Governor Hochul to immediately request a Major Disaster Declaration so we can provide Long Islanders the assistance they will need when they need it.”

“Ahead of the incoming winter storm, we are urging Governor Hochul to provide Long Island will all the tools necessary to withstand and recover from any damages caused by expected high winds and flooding,” said Garbarino. “Requesting a Major Disaster Declaration from the White House and FEMA would ensure that Long Islanders can receive the support they need quickly in the aftermath of this storm.”

“It is vital that all levels of government coordinate to the fullest extent possible to provide relief to Long Islanders impacted by the damaging storms that struck our community,” said D’Esposito. “A disaster declaration request made by Governor Hochul to the federal government would help connect neighbors coping with storm damages to important federal recovery resources, and I stand ready to assist the Governor in whatever way possible throughout this process.”

To read the full text of the letter, click HERE.

Background:

LaLota is a member of the House Homeland Security Committee and the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, which have jurisdiction and oversight over FEMA.

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