Hochul signs request for expedited major disaster declaration for NY after Ida

NEW YORK, N.Y. (WHEC) — Governor Kathy Hochul signed a request to President Biden for an expedited major disaster declaration as recovery efforts downstate continue in the wake of Hurricane Ida.

The declaration would provide funds for temporary housing assisance, crisis counselling, unemployment assistance, home repairs, and legal services for those who have been displaced.

"I don’t ever again, as governor or in my lifetime, want to see people in pain the way I did over the last few days. No one should ever have to experience that. It was not their fault, they were victims and it’s up to all of us to build the resiliency, give them hope. But more than hope, give them help. And that’s what we’ve been doing nonstop and will continue until we make sure that everyone has what they need," said the governor.

The state has incurred $50 Million in damages to public property and infrastructure. Ida damaged at least 1,200 homes.