File Photo
The tropical storm uprooted trees, sending them crashing down on vehicles and homes across Queens.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) earlier this month wrote a letter to President Donald Trump in strong support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for New York State in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaias.
In the letter, they also encourage the Federal Emergency Management Agency to continue working closely with the State to complete the outstanding Preliminary Damage Assessments for several counties across New York including Queens, Dutchess, Putnam, Richmond, Rockland and Westchester.
The storm blew through New York on Aug. 4, blasting communities with heavy rains and damaging winds which caused widespread power outages, road closures and damage to homes, small businesses, and public infrastructure. The majority of the storm’s impact was felt in New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley, which saw the highest rainfall totals, Schumer and Gillibrand noted.
“In the wake of Tropical Storm Isaias, New Yorkers have suffered lasting power outages, and homes, businesses and public infrastructure have been damaged—all while the economic impacts of COVID-19 continue to ravage our communities,” Schumer said. “It’s crucial for the president to act swiftly and approve the Major Disaster Declaration for New York so the state and local governments can get the federal assistance they need to alleviate the effects of this damaging storm.”
In their missive, the elected officials wrote to Trump, “Given the fiscal constraints already facing our state and counties prior to Tropical Storm Isaias, we urge you to promptly approve this urgently needed federal assistance by declaring this event a major disaster.”
