FR 2024-28686

The document titled "New York; Major Disaster and Related Determinations" is a public notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security. Following severe storms and flooding in August 2024, a major disaster was declared in New York State, particularly affecting Lewis, Oswego, and Suffolk Counties. This declaration, dated October 21, 2024, authorizes federal assistance to aid recovery efforts and includes statewide support for hazard mitigation.

General Summary

This notice announces the President's declaration of a major disaster for New York due to severe weather events. It grants federal aid to help the state and local authorities manage recovery. The Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster is Lai Sun Yee, tasked with overseeing recovery operations.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues arise from the notice:

1. Lack of Specific Funding Details: The document does not clarify the exact amounts allocated for disaster assistance, which may raise concerns about transparency and allocation oversight.

2. Funding Distribution Uncertainty: The notice specifies that federal funds cover 75% of eligible costs, but it does not clarify how the remaining 25% will be funded, potentially burdening state and local budgets.

3. Grant Program Criteria: The absence of detailed criteria for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program could lead to ambiguity around how support is distributed.

4. Complex Language: The document's legal language may be difficult for those unfamiliar with the Stafford Act to understand, potentially limiting its accessibility.

5. Lack of Transparency in Appointments: The appointment of Lai Sun Yee as the Federal Coordinating Officer lacks accompanying background information, which could be important for public trust.

6. Catalog Codes Without Explanations: The listing of federal assistance codes without explanation might confuse those unfamiliar with them, hindering understanding of available resources.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the declaration aims to provide vital federal support to communities affected by severe storms and flooding, enabling faster recovery and reducing long-term adverse impacts. It affirms the federal government's role in emergency response and mitigation efforts, potentially easing some burdens on state resources and ensuring a coordinated recovery process.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Local Governments and Agencies: They may face pressure to secure additional funds to cover costs not covered by federal aid. Moreover, they must navigate the complexities of applying for federal assistance with limited clarity on certain aspects.

• Impacted Individuals and Households: Directly affected residents stand to benefit from the assistance, although they might experience uncertainty about eligibility and application processes due to the document's lack of specificity.

• State Authorities: While the federal support is significant, state authorities must address the funding gap left by the defined cost-sharing arrangement and coordinate efficiently with federal agencies.

Overall, the declaration facilitates crucial recovery operations in New York while raising certain issues related to transparency, funding logistics, and accessibility of information that could influence how effectively stakeholders can navigate the disaster recovery process.