The Catskill Chronicle

Individuals and families may apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (November 12, 2012) – Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau has announced that "Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Office has informed me that Sullivan County has been declared eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program that will help families recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Public Safety Commissioner Dick Martinkovic has also received an official call from FEMA.

“Representatives from FEMA’s IA group will meet with Sullivan County officials on Tuesday to discuss claims process and FEMA outreach. An expected Disaster Recovery Center will likely be established in Sullivan County that will supply access to he various FEMA services available under the declaration.

“There is no need to wait for a disaster recovery center to open to apply for assistance.

“Sullivan County is also seeking designation for the Public Assistance program. The FEMA Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams were on-site in Sullivan County on Friday, November 2nd, just days after Hurricane Sandy caused widespread damage. Sullivan County satisfied the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) threshold, and we anticipate that Sullivan County will also receive a PA declaration as well, but it take additional time for that to cut through red tape.

However, the critical assistance to individuals and families (IA) has been declared, and Sullivan County officials encourage individuals and families to apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Additional information will be announced once a Disaster Recovery Center has been established."