Cuomo Requests Federal Disaster Aid For 18 Counties

Governor Andrew Cuomo has called on the federal government to grant a Major Disaster Declaration for 18 counties devastated by flooding during severe storms on Halloween.

The 18 counties include Oneida, Herkimer and Madison.

Cuomo says a Major Disaster Declaration would result in financial assistance from the federal government allowing local communities to continue their recovery.

"This year's Halloween storm caused tremendous damage to infrastructure and homes across the entire state," Governor Cuomo said. "I am urging the federal government to validate the severity of these storm damages as soon as possible so we can begin to get the businesses and families the funding they need to repair and rebuild."

Funding is being sought through FEMA's Public Assistance Program.

State and federal experts have estimated the storm caused more than $33 million in damage to public infrastructure to date.