Last month, severe storms barreled across the North Country, devastating parts of Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Yesterday, Governor Hochul announced her request to declare the situation a major disaster has been approved by President Biden, providing federal assistance to those communities impacted by the severe weather stemming from Hurricane Beryl. This financial assistance will go to public infrastructure reconstruction in St. Lawrence and Lewis counties.

A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to local governments, tribes and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures and repairs to buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.

“Federal aid could not have come soon enough,” said Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River). “The effects of Hurricane Beryl caused millions of dollars of devastation to Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, and we cannot hope to rebuild from this disaster alone. I am extremely grateful federal funding has been approved and we can begin to start the rebuilding process. I will continue to work to secure more funding to ensure we have the tools needed to reconstruct and rebuild.”