Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) issued the following statement after his conversation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), regarding the need for FEMA assistance to the people of Rockland County, following the damage caused by Hurricane Irene.  Individual assistance allows people to request aid if their homes and personal belongings were damaged by the storm.

“I spoke on a conference call with FEMA and federal elected officials this afternoon, and I urged them to send teams to Rockland County to see the widespread damage for themselves.  They assured me that there will be personnel in Rockland County on Thursday morning to assess the devastation suffered by Rockland homeowners.  This visit will hopefully lead to the county added to the list of those regions eligible for individual assistance.  Too many people have to come to the realization that their homes have been damaged, many to the point of being uninhabitable. I will continue working with FEMA, and state and local officials, to ensure the needs of our citizens are given full attention.”

FEMA assessment of Westchester and Bronx flood and hurricane damage is already being processed.

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