Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday requested a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden to aid with recovery following this past week’s extreme flooding throughout parts of New York state.

The funding would aid cleanup efforts in Albany, Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Orange, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland and Westchester counties, with the governor’s office saying additional counties could be added as damage assessment continues around the state.

“My administration is no stranger to extreme weather events and the weather of this past week has shown that not only do we need federal assistance to help recover from these storms, but government leaders at all levels need to prioritize making our infrastructure more resilient,” Hochul said in a statement. “I have spoken with The White House, our Senators and FEMA leadership about the need for a swift approval of this disaster declaration, so we can help New Yorkers recover quickly and efficiently.”

According to the governor’s office, the declaration would secure financial assistance from the federal government, mostly through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. This would assist with repairs to buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools and parks, as well as aid in debris removal and protective measures.

The governor on Sunday announced that over $50 million in damages have been estimated from last week’s severe rain and flooding.

“New York was devastated with heavy rains and destructive flooding this week and we need to access federal funding to support the long-term recovery of impacted communities,” Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said in a statement. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, our teams are working hand in glove with our local and federal partners to support recovery efforts as quickly and efficiently as possible.”  

Officials say more than eight inches of rain was reported in parts of the Mid-Hudson Region and more than five inches of rain fell in Ontario County in the Finger Lakes Region from July 9-10. In parts of the North Country from July 10-11, several inches of rain in a short period of time led to intense flooding, closed roadways and damaged infrastructure. Amtrak service between Albany and New York City was temporarily shut down due to the flooding.