Albany, NY - Sullivan County Declared As Disaster Area By President Bush

Albany, NY - President Bush declared disaster areas in eight upstate counties that were struck hard by the recent flooding.

In an immediate statement, Gov. George Pataki called the federal response "disappointing." "While we appreciate the complexity and magnitude of the enormous task at hand, some determinations are simply self-evident," his statement said. "I will continue to press FEMA for a swift, complete and full disaster declaration that meets not only the needs of local government, but also the needs of individual hard-pressed New Yorkers."

Pataki announced a $35 million state emergency relief package to boost recovery efforts in 13 upstate counties and asked Bush to declare the region a federal disaster area.
The Presidents declaration made federal aid available to state and eligible local governments in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Montgomery, Otsego, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.