RyeCity REVIEW THE
September 10, 2021 | Vol. 9, Number 34 | www.ryecityreview.com
Major Disaster Declaration approved in wake of Ida
Off to the races!
Rafferty McSweeney eludes a tackler during Rye’s season opener against Lourdes on Sept. 4, 2021. The Garnets beat the Warriors 27-12. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
County police investigate storm-related death Westchester County police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found near Route 119 in Elmsford, not far from where his car was found submerged on an entrance ramp to the Saw Mill River Parkway. The 69-year-old Samuel
Weissmandl, of Mount Kisco, was traveling from Rockland County to Mount Kisco on Wednesday, Sept. 1, when he called family members to say he was having difficulty in the storm. When his family did not hear from him again, a search of the area began and his body
was located this morning with the assistance of the Elmsford Police Department. The Weissmandls vehicle was located submerged nearby on an entrance ramp to the northbound Saw Mill River Parkway and the investigation was turned over to the West-
chester County police. Detectives are investigating whether Weissmandl suffered a medical episode or was swept away by floodwaters. The Westchester Medical Examiner’s office is now charged with determining the cause of death. (Submitted)
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, Sept. 6 announced President Biden approved an expedited Major Disaster Declaration that will help provide for federal financial relief for local governments and New Yorkers and deliver individual and public assistance for eligible New Yorkers recovering from the flooding damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Westchester, Bronx, Queens, Kings and Richmond counties are covered by the declaration for individual and public assistance. At this time, New York County is included for public assistance only. The governor will continue to work with FEMA and federal, state, and local partners to ensure New Yorkers get the additional relief that they need. New Yorkers who have been displaced, including uninsured families, will be eligible for funds for housing assistance, as well as crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, home repairs and legal services. “I saw the devastation of New Yorkers who lost so much from this storm, and I pledged that we would do everything in our power to help them rebuild,” Hochul said. “I thank President Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell for their swift approval of a Major Disaster Declaration, which provides a promise that we will build back better and stronger.” A Major Disaster Declaration triggers financial assistance from the federal government, allowing local communities and individual New Yorkers to continue their recovery. Assistance includes funding for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public build-
ings and infrastructure, as well as direct support for individuals and homeowners. New Yorkers may also be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental and child care. Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document their losses. Eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and legal services. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services deployed specialists to assess damage in order to apply for federal disaster aid. The state remained in constant contact with FEMA and local partners throughout this process to push for an expedited review on the federal side once the preliminary damage assessments were finalized. As a result of these efforts, in just the first initial days of assessments, state and federal experts have estimated that this storm caused more than $50 million in damage to public infrastructure and property, while in excess of 1,200 residences suffered damage. Funding to support the restoration of public infrastructure will come through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which provides reimbursement for local governIDA continued on page 7