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Amsterdam, NY – U.S. Senator Charles Schumer plans to introduce a bill today that would replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency's coffers, and ensure there is enough cash to fund recovery efforts in the regions, battered by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. WAMC's Tristan O'Neill reports...
The Albany Times-Union reports that President Barack Obama has requested an additional $5.1 billion dollars, on top of the $1.8 billion included in his budget proposal, to fund FEMA. The agency's account has dwindled to less than $600 million.
Senator Schumer put it simply.
"Obviously, we're going to need lots of money from FEMA," said Schumer.
The paper says Schumer also plans to push federal officials to once again declare a major disaster for Mohawk Valley counties, accounting for the separate devastation from Lee.
Schumer made the comments while touring the flood damage at Lock 11, the Elmwood Museum, and Russo's Restaurant in Amsterdam yesterday.
Russo's Restaurant owner Mike Russo says he spent two consecutive days, constantly pumping water out of his cellar.
"Everybody was getting frustrated because you want to move forward and that's what we were trying to do," said Russo. "But when you get set back and you get more complications, it just gets more discouraging."
FEMA reimburses governments up to 75 percent of the cost of road rebuilding, debris removal and other repair work. Homeowners can apply for grants of up to $30,000.
Tristan O'Neill, WAMC News.