WASHINGTON – US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Monday asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal assistance to conduct a preliminary damage assessment for the counties of Westchester, Rockland and Orange.  In a letter to FEMA Administrator William Fugate, Gillibrand pointed to the lost power, damage to homes and buildings and damaged infrastructure.

After being briefed by county and local officials in Westchester County Monday, Governor David Paterson said he thought the state would qualify for federal aid.

 “This is just an estimate, but I think that there would be enough damage to qualify for federal disaster relief, which is declared by the President after an inquiry from us, and we will be working with FEMA to assess whether or not we meet the threshold,” he said.

“New York residents should not be left shouldering all of the costs from this storm,” Gillibrand wrote. “The federal government must step in immediately to help residents in New York City, Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley.”