Counties eligible for snowstormrelated aid

The Trump administration has issued a “major disaster declaration” for 28 New York counties — including Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia and Greene — that were impacted by the March 14 winter storm that dropped more than 2 feet of snow in some spots, according to U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

The declaration releases Federal Emergency Management Agency resources and money to cover the costs of storm-related emergency work, repairs and replacement of damaged facilities, as well as long-term improvements to reduce the impact of future disasters, the two New York Democratic senators said Wednesday.

“Communities across upstate New York were devastated by this historic snowstorm, and these crucial funds are critical to their recovery,” Schumer said in a prepared statement. “I am pleased FEMA heeded my calls by agreeing to help affected communities to get back on their feet after this devastating winter storm.”

“The disaster declaration ... unlocks critical FEMA funds and assistance to help families and communities recover from the devastation,” Gillibrand said. “... We must always put all the necessary resources on the ground to help families and local businesses rebuild and get back on their feet.”

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Albany, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Orleans, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins and Ulster counties.