Rep. Nick Langworthy has appealed directly to President Joe Biden to approve New York state's Major Disaster Declaration Request following the flooding caused by Hurricane Debby last month.  

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Saturday requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to help support ongoing recovery in communities impacted by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby that occurred in August.

In his letter to the president on Saturday, Langworthy says it's clear that the Southern Tier needs FEMA support in order to recover, saying both Steuben and Allegany counties have suffered millions of dollars in damages this summer.

"After touring the hardest-hit areas and speaking directly with residents, it's clear that the Southern Tier needs support from FEMA to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Debby,” Langworthy said in a statement. “Allegany and Steuben counties have suffered millions of dollars in damages to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure. These are communities that were still recovering from flooding in 2021 — I urge President Biden to approve this disaster declaration request so we can deliver the support these communities need to get back on their feet and start rebuilding their lives.”

Langworthy highlighted in his letter several areas that saw significant damage, including major roadways like state Route 417 and county Route 36, along with parts of Canisteo, Greenwood, Woodhull, the Jasper sewage plant and Jasper-Troupsburg High School.

If granted, the declaration would provide federal funding for Allegany, Broome, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Ontario, Steuben, St. Lawrence and Yates counties to cover debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.