Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), a member of the Homeland Security Committee, has urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to extend its support to include Individual Assistance for victims of recent flooding and severe weather in Suffolk County. In a letter addressed to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, LaLota emphasized the need for additional federal resources to aid Long Islanders in their recovery efforts.

“Last week’s storm caused massive amounts of damage to communities and families across Suffolk County, with many still working hard to recover. I appreciate FEMA’s quick response to my letter from last week ensuring federal assistance can begin to help our communities recover,” said LaLota. “Extending disaster relief efforts to include Individual Assistance will help families across Suffolk County. Local, state, and federal governments must be doing everything we can to help families recover from this disaster and ensure that Long Islanders have a government that works for them, not against them.”

LaLota thanked Administrator Criswell for FEMA’s prompt response to his previous request for assistance. He highlighted the importance of including Individual Assistance in FEMA's recovery efforts for Suffolk County.

This week, LaLota joined Governor Kathy Hochul, County Executive Ed Romaine, State Senator Mario Mattera, and other local leaders in touring disaster sites in Smithtown.

Previously, LaLota sent a formal request for FEMA assistance following significant damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding on August 18th in Suffolk County. In his letter to Administrator Criswell, he expressed strong support for Governor Hochul’s state of emergency declaration and stressed the urgent need for federal resources.

The severe weather event resulted in widespread flooding across Long Island, with Suffolk County experiencing extensive damage. The heavy rainfall led to a major road collapse in Stony Brook, causing evacuations and significant infrastructure damage throughout the region. Local resources have been overwhelmed, highlighting the necessity of immediate federal intervention.

LaLota serves on the Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.

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