After storms, here is how to access federal emergency aid

On Sunday, President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration that would help federal assistance flow into Long Island after recent flooding, particularly in Suffolk County.

The White House said the assistance seeks to alleviate hardship for residents and municipalities. The devastation brought on by last week's storm could have a price tag of up to $100 million. And now, state and local officials are eyeing funding to repair infrastructure damaged by the storm, including dams and roadways.

Here's more information from FEMA and Suffolk about the assistance.

How does the disbursement of federal assistance work under an emergency declaration?

The government assigns federal agencies to carry out the tasks needed to manage an emergency, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency assigns agencies to pursue the work, FEMA said. And the costs are shared between the federal and state or local governments.

What does this assistance cover?

FEMA provides federal assistance for what it calls "life-saving and life-sustaining actions to protect public health and safety during emergencies." The assistance for Suffolk County will cover 75% of costs that are eligible, while state or local governments can cover the remaining 25%, the agency said. 

How can governments apply for the assistance?

Local governments submit a Request for Public Assistance, which then leads to a secondary request for Direct Federal Assistance after demonstrating that federal help is required, according to FEMA.

How long does it take for the assistance to arrive?

Those seeking the aid have to file a request for public assistance within a month of the declaration, according to a FEMA fact sheet. After that has been approved, the applicants must detail the damages to FEMA in a 60-day time frame.

What are some of the top priorities for Suffolk County?

The immediate priorities include rebuilding a dam that burst open at Blydenburgh County Park and ensuring that the channel into Stony Brook Harbor can be traversed, according to Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine.

Romaine said he also wants county roads damaged in the storm inspected and a survey of dams in the county.

How long will the emergency declaration last?

It will close when the emergency conditions are stable and there’s no longer an immediate concern, the agency said. FEMA and local governments will jointly determine when that is.