Biden signs disaster declaration for Suffolk, unlocking funds for governments, nonprofits that sustained damage from August rainfall

President Joseph R. Biden signed a major disaster declaration Monday for Suffolk County, designed to unlock federal funding to address flooding damage from a storm with extreme rainfall Aug. 18 and 19.

The flooding, caused by severe storms that dropped up to 10 inches of rain on Suffolk County’s North Shore, devastated parts of communities such as Stony Brook, Smithtown and Rocky Point.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared Suffolk to be a disaster in the days after the flooding. But FEMA’s major disaster declaration potentially makes available federal money for individual projects of local governments and some nonprofits.

The state is still awaiting a request to FEMA and the president for individual assistance that could potentially reimburse homeowners. FEMA officials said such reimbursement for residents may be approved later if the state and local governments show they are unable to meet homeowners’ needs.

"My administration will continue to work with FEMA to ensure those affected receive the critical funding they need to begin the recovery and rebuilding process," Hochul said in a statement Monday night.

The federal funding will provide local governments and nonprofits the means to remove debris, make storm protection improvements and infrastructure repairs such as bridges, roads, parks and waterways. Funding is approved for emergency repairs or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

The disaster declaration also gives the state access to additional Hazard Mitigation grants from FEMA to bolster planning and protection against future disasters, including measures "to reduce the loss of life and to improve property damaged by natural disasters."

Town roadways in Smithtown and Brookhaven totaled more than $40 million in damage and Stony Brook University sustained $22 million in damage, closing two dorm buildings days before classes started and forcing some students to live in a hotel off campus to start the new semester.

County officials said last month the overall damage to bridges, roads and dams could eventually total up to $100 million.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer thanked Biden and said in a statement: "This Major Disaster Declaration will unlock the resources necessary to recover and rebuild stronger, and this welcome approval is the next step in getting New Yorkers the help they need to do exactly that."

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine called the declaration "great news" and added "We now hope our partners in federal and state government continue moving forward so that individuals can begin putting their lives back together as well."

Residents in Nassau and Suffolk counties can also apply for grants up to $50,000 through the state’s Homes and Community Renewal website. Applications were extended through Nov. 8 to cover emergency storm damage.

Damage from the August storm also included the breach of two dams, including at Mill Pond and Harbor Road in Stony Brook and Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, draining Stump Pond. Flooding also damaged dozens of homes and businesses as well as the Smithtown Library, which kept records from the 1600s.

A major disaster declaration was also declared for Lewis and Oswego counties for unrelated storm damage.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.