Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) continued her efforts to assist flood victims in Broome County by pushing for rapid dispersal of funding to localities in this year’s budget and urging the governor to use his influence to secure federal disaster relief aid.

Funding included in this year’s budget

Lupardo said the final state budget includes $1 million in immediate funding to the American Red Cross to provide food, clothing and emergency shelter to victims of this month’s flooding in Broome County – and across the state.

"Many areas in the county have been completely devastated by the recent flooding," Lupardo said. "The relief funding included in the bipartisan budget will help ease the incredible financial burden faced by local homeowners and businesses."

Governor must step up to the plate

Lupardo recently sent a letter to New York’s Congressional delegation calling on the federal government to provide recovery aid to help Broome County homeowners and businesses. She also said the governor must use his influence in Washington to secure federal disaster relief for the latest flood – noting that communities in neighboring Pennsylvania received help much more quickly last fall when the remnants of Hurricane Frances caused flooding in much of the state. The President granted federal disaster status two days after the flooding occurred.

"Unfortunately, we haven’t seen the expedience of federal relief that Western Pennsylvania did when President Bush visited flood sites and delivered emergency aid during the last presidential campaign," Lupardo said.

"Local residents and businesses are still struggling to recover from this disaster," Lupardo added. "The governor needs to use his influence with President Bush to help secure immediate assistance from the federal government."

Lupardo noted that all flood victims should keep records – including photographs – of all damages and all insurance documents to expedite claims.