Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) led the Long Island Congressional Delegation in urging Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency for Long Island following severe flooding and road collapse caused by heavy rainfall on August 18th. The event has resulted in widespread damage across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, with the collapse of a major road in Stony Brook underscoring the need for immediate intervention. The letter was cosigned by Congressmen Andrew Garbarino (R-Suffolk County), Tom Suozzi (D-Nassau County), and Anthony D’Esposito (R-Nassau County).

“Long Island has been hit hard by this extreme weather event, and our communities are facing significant challenges in the aftermath,” said LaLota. “The road collapse in Stony Brook is just one example of the severe damage that has occurred in our communities. By including this storm in the ongoing state of emergency declared on July 16th, Governor Hochul can unlock the resources necessary to help our residents and businesses rebuild and recover. I urge the Governor to act swiftly to address this situation.”

“The heavy rainfall, flooding, and severe damage from the recent storm that hit Long Island requires an immediate response,” said Garbarino. “That’s why we are calling on Governor Hochul to clarify that this disaster is covered by a state of emergency declaration to ensure the swift mobilization of state and federal resources.”

“Across Long Island, communities from the sound to the South Shore suffered severe damage stemming from the recent storm that swept our area, and it is now imperative that we marshal all available resources to aid in the recovery effort,” said D’Esposito. “I am calling on Governor Hochul to include this past weekend’s storm as part of a wider State of Emergency declaration in order to free up additional government support that is so desperately needed and I stand ready to assist in whatever way possible.”

In LaLota's letter, the delegation emphasized the urgent need for additional resources to support local recovery efforts, noting that the scale of destruction has overwhelmed local capabilities. They expressed confidence that the disaster meets the threshold required for a state of emergency declaration and called on Governor Hochul to ensure affected communities receive necessary assistance.

A state of emergency must be declared before FEMA can provide disaster assistance. This declaration is crucial for unlocking federal resources needed for recovery efforts on Long Island. Without it, necessary federal aid cannot be fully activated.

Congressman LaLota and his colleagues also highlighted Suffolk County's particular need for targeted resources due to severe flooding impacts. They pledged cooperation with federal, state, and local partners for an effective recovery process.