October 14, 201, 9:30PM

Staten Island. NY-- In response to calls by Rep. Michael E. McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn, NY) as well as other Federal, State, and local officials, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated Richmond, Kings, and Queens Counties disaster areas due to the damage they suffered from two tornadoes and a violent windstorm on September 16, 2010.  The Federal declaration provides 75 percent reimbursement to each of the three boroughs for the costs of response, debris removal and repairs to public property.  A preliminary damage assessment conducted by Federal, State and local inspectors estimated damage and cleanup costs at more than $27 million.

“This announcement will lead the way for critical federal relief to help the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn rebuild and clean up the severe damage from the September storm. For those New Yorkers struggling from the disaster’s impact, this assistance can't come fast enough.” said Rep. McMahon.  “

Though the storms affected all of New York City, the boroughs of Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens were particularly hard hit.  A federal disaster declaration now releases federal resources to aid the NYC clean-up and rebuilding efforts.