Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is opening an office at Provident Bank Baseball Stadium, 2nd floor community room, 1 Provident Bank Park Drive, (off Pomona Rd) in Pomona, to assist people filing for federal assistance in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Rep. Engel’s continued intervention with FEMA got them to witness Rockland’s damage first hand and approve assistance to people whose homes and belongings were damaged by the storm.

“I thank FEMA for moving quickly in naming the location and for providing individual and public assistance for Rockland residents and communities.  In addition, the Small Business Administration is providing loan opportunities for businesses damaged by the storm and flood.  For more information, on SBA loans, call 1-800-659-2955.  For more on FEMA assistance, call 800-621-3362.

“Disasters such as Hurricane Irene show that the federal government, and all of the resources which come with it, are vital to help people when they are in their greatest need.  I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure FEMA aid isn't taken hostage in a manufactured political flight, despite some Members of Congress calling for budget cuts to go along with any emergency federal funding.  Never before have there been offsets required to deal with disaster assistance – this is not the time to start.  I am committed to providing assistance to those in need.”

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