How will FEMA help pay for damage to Suffolk's North Shore from the August rainstorms?
Dead fish seen after the Mill Pond Dam was destroyed in Stony Brook on Aug. 19. In the background is the Stony Brook Grist Mill, which also sustained flooding from the storm. Credit: Newsday/James Carbone
President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration Monday with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funds to Suffolk County and local communities that sustained damage during storms on Aug. 18-19.
The declaration unlocks crucial federal funding that local governments have been waiting for over two months to start repairs after up to 10 inches of rain fell on parts of Suffolk's North Shore.
State and local officials are still waiting for approval on a request for individual assistance to help homeowners. But local officials can now apply for federal funds from FEMA to cover repairs. Here is what you need to know about how the funding process works.
What happens after the disaster declaration?
Local governments in Suffolk County can now apply to FEMA for federal assistance through the state. FEMA accepts applications for up to 30 days following the declaration.
FEMA works with the state to give briefings to local governments and nonprofits that apply for assistance, directing officials on how to request funding for certain projects damaged in the storm, federal officials said.
What does FEMA cover?
FEMA typically covers up to 75% of costs from damage to buildings, public works systems or "natural features,' according to FEMA’s guidelines.
Reimbursement covers emergency or permanent repairs for damage caused in the disaster, including labor, materials and contract work, according to FEMA’s public assistance guidelines.
Suffolk County officials said they would prioritize emergency protective measures and essential infrastructure.
How much damage was caused by the August rainstorms and flooding?
Suffolk County officials estimated the total storm damage could total more than $100 million for damage to parts of Huntington, Smithtown and Brookhaven.
The county’s immediate damage estimate is more than $40 million for damage to dozens of homes, roads, bridges and waterways.
Additional damage included $22 million at Stony Brook University, when flooding damaged 50 buildings on campus and two dorm buildings.
Floodwaters also caused extensive damage to the Smithtown Library, which keeps records from the 1600s.
Smithtown officials have requested $9 million, which does not include three Smithtown villages that reported an additional $3 million in damage.
Brookhaven Town officials have reported nearly $17 million in damage to their roads and storm basins caused by the storm.
What assistance is available for homeowners and businesses?
The state is still awaiting FEMA approval on assistance that would reimburse homeowners and businesses for repairs. If approved, homeowners and renters could receive aid for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster related expenses, county officials said.
Businesses may also qualify for low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration.
The state has opened applications through Nov. 9 for residents to apply through the Home and Community Renewal website for grants up to $50,000 for emergency repairs and mold remediation needed to remain in their homes.
The grants have income thresholds up to $230,000, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday. Residents can also submit repairs that may not be covered by insurance.
"This was an important start for the municipalities to start rebuilding and get them connected," Hochul said, adding that calls for help from individual homeowners "are not being unheard."
What funding is available for nonprofits?
FEMA officials said some nonprofits may be eligible "for facilities that provide educational, utility, emergency, medical, or custodial care ... and other essential social-type services to the public."
One such nonprofit that will be applying for FEMA aid is the Ward Melville Heritage Organization in Stony Brook and Head of the Harbor.
The organization owns Mill Creek Road and also runs the nearly 300-year-old Stony Brook Grist Mill, which sustained minor damage caused by debris and fallen trees. It was rendered inoperable once the pond was drained. Smithtown highway officials built a $170,000 emergency access road to residents in seven homes after the only private access on Mill Creek Road to their homes was washed away.
"We’re excited about it being approved so all of us can move on with our lives," organization president Gloria Rocchio said. "Right now, we just have to take it one day at a time."
With Olivia Winslow
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.
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'It's disappointing and it's unfortunate' Suffolk Police Officer David Mascarella is back on the job after causing a 2020 crash that severely injured Riordan Cavooris, then 2. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger and Newsday investigative reporter Paul LaRocco have the story.
