Paterson Seeks Federal Aid For NYC Tornado Damage
NEW YORK (AP) -- Gov. David Paterson asked President Barack Obama to issue a major disaster declaration for New York City and provide federal funding to help pay for tornado damage.
Paterson on Friday said he was seeking Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance in all five boroughs for the costs of response, debris removal and repairs to public property.
He also wanted relief such as rental assistance, low-interest loans and disaster housing for individual homeowners, renters and businesses in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten island.
On Sept. 16, two destructive tornadoes and a fierce macroburst barreled across a large swath of Brooklyn and Queens, killing one woman and causing extensive property damage.
Congressman Anthony Weiner, who represents hard-hit Queens and Brooklyn, says it's a step in the right direction but residents know help can't come quick enough.
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