Levy seeks looser natural disaster aid criteria

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy called on federal officials Monday to loosen natural disaster aid criteria in the wake of last month's massive rainstorms.

Levy is seeking $6.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist private property owners whose homes and businesses were damaged in the storms of March 29-30.

Last week, President Barack Obama declared Nassau, Suffolk and four other downstate counties "major disaster" areas, making them eligible for federal aid for repairs from the March 12-15 nor'easter.

"It's up to the feds to develop a new criteria," said Levy, who Monday released copies of a letter he sent last week to FEMA administrator W. Craig Fugate, asking for assistance. "This should be looked at on a case-by-case basis."

FEMA regulations require New York State to record at least $24.5 million in storm damage before aid is made available for private property owners. Levy said it "did not appear likely" the state would reach that threshold.

Levy said Suffolk received between 5 and 7 inches of rain during the two days, and that 34 homes and eight businesses suffered "major damage."

"They're going by their strict criteria," Levy said. "We're saying that shouldn't be so cast in stone. There has to be more flexibility."

A FEMA spokeswoman said the agency is considering Suffolk's request but she could not comment on Levy's proposal.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) sent a letter to the U.S. Small Business Administration Monday in support of Gov. David A. Paterson's request for the latest disaster assistance loans for Suffolk residents.

"Suffolk County has been heavily battered by severe weather over the past several months, and the home and business owners affected by this storm deserve any available federal assistance," Gillibrand wrote.