A request has been made to USDA for an agriculture disaster declaration in areas of New York after flooding occurred last week. The flooding is said to be the worst to hit the region in 40 years.
Specifically, New York Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand made the request to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for farmland in Yates and surrounding counties damaged by heavy rain, wind, and flash flooding.
Thunderstorms dumped an estimated 5 inches of rain in four hours causing flash flooding overnight in the Finger Lakes Village of Penn Yan, the Hamlet of Branchport, the Towns of Jerusalem and Porter, and other nearby areas. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand are urging USDA to immediately approve disaster assistance so farmers across the affected region can gain prompt access to the aid they need to recover.
“Farms across Yates County and the Finger Lakes region are under water, threatening planting season,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York farmers are the backbone of our economy, and when they struggle, our entire economy struggles. It is so important to get these federal resources on the ground without delay, so that we can start recovery efforts that rebuild and protect our farms.”
Source: news release from Senator Kirsten Gillbrand