Two briefings will be held on Thursday, May 10 in the Little Theater on the second floor of the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains. The public can attend one of two briefings: one at 9 am or a second at 1 p.m.  During the meetings, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will discuss the application process, and allow participants to submit Requests for Public Assistance – the first step in receiving aid.

Public Assistance grants from the FEMA can be used to reimburse eligible emergency work such as overtime and debris removal, as well as, the repair of damaged public facilities not covered by insurance. Certain private non-profits that provide governmental services are also eligible. FEMA funds 75 percent of costs. Gov. Elliot Spitzer announced today that the state will pick up all of the 25 percent not reimbursed by the federal government. 

“We all know that this storm was very costly, not just for local residents and business owners, but also for governments, schools and non profit organizations,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “It is very important that applicants for public assistance attend one of these meetings and learn about the process.”

Anthony W. Sutton, commissioner of the county’s Department of Emergency Services, said county officials have been reaching out to local governments, schools and non-profit organizations, to inform them about these meetings

 “It is very important that local governments, schools and non-profit organizations learn about the program and apply for aid,” said Sutton. “This is money that can help repair public buildings and protect them from future flood damage.”                                          

On Thursday, FEMA announced that public assistance was approved for 12 counties affected by the April 15 Nor’easter. They are: Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Schoharie, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester.                                                   
             In addition, three new counties are eligible for Individual Assistance: Albany, Dutchess and the borough of Staten Island (Richmond County) in New York City.

The announcement came after President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for New York State on April 24. That declaration triggered disaster assistance for individuals in Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties.

Further information will also be posted on the county’s website at www.westchestergov.com.

For more information, visit www.fema.gov