The Mid-Hudson Valley Region continues to recover from record rainfall on Sunday, July 9, 2023, that caused severe flooding, washed out roads and damage to property owners. On Friday, July 14, 2023, Gov. Hochul formally requested a disaster declaration from President Biden that would send federal resources and dollars to the impacted areas. Now, a bipartisan coalition of Hudson Valley state lawmakers is asking President Biden to swiftly approve the governor’s request to help their communities begin to recover and rebuild.

New York State Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown), who represents Putnam and Westchester counties said, “Nearly every municipality I represent is grappling with the aftermath of the record rain we experienced. Federal assistance and funding are pivotal to assist our municipalities, property owners and businesses. The faster President Biden approves the request the sooner our communities and neighbors can rebuild.”

 The bipartisan coalition includes State Sen. Pete Harckham, State Sen. Rob Rolison, Assemblyman Matt Slater, Assemblymember Dana Levenberg and Assemblyman Anil Beephan.

“The grit and resilience I have observed firsthand in our flood-impacted communities has been nothing short of inspiring. However, this is an all-hands-on-deck crisis. The participation of our partners at the federal level is necessary to deliver timely relief to the municipalities, homeowners, small business owners and others affected by the July 9 storm. Today, I join with a bipartisan coalition of colleagues in the state Legislature to urge immediate FEMA assistance and federal funding to reduce the costs associated with the local recovery effort and mitigate the effects of severe weather events in the future,” said Sen. Rob Rolison (39th District).

“I stand united with my colleagues in urging the federal government to swiftly approve FEMA disaster funding for the areas affected by the recent storm. Together, we can rebuild and ensure a stronger, more resilient community for all,” said Assemblyman Anil Beephan Jr. (R,C-East Fishkill).

"The Hudson Valley is increasingly vulnerable to flash flooding as a result of climate change. We need immediate relief from FEMA to help us with this most recent storm, and I thank our Governor for including Westchester and Putnam counties in her request for a Major Disaster Declaration. Going forward, we must continue to work together at the state and federal levels to improve the capacity and resiliency of this region's stormwater infrastructure,” said Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg (95th District).