Statement from Governor David A. Paterson

ALBANY, NY (03/15/2010)(readMedia)-- "While floodwaters are receding and electric power is slowly being restored, there is still much work to be done in order to recover from this weekend's Nor'easter, which struck a crippling blow to the greater New York metropolitan area.

"We still have more than a hundred thousand electric customers without service. Today, New York State Department of Transportation crews, and county, city and local agencies continued to work side by side to clear debris and open roads as they have all weekend to allow power crews to do their job.

"At my direction, the State Emergency Management Office this morning asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide technical assistance, namely personnel to begin conducting joint preliminary damage assessments in the affected areas later this week. Costs associated with the response to this storm are significant enough that I will be requesting a major federal disaster declaration. However, the preliminary assessment must first be completed.

"For the many New Yorkers who have suffered storm damage, our first line of defense is always insurance. I have directed the State Insurance Department to activate its Disaster Hotline to assist customers who may have insurance coverage questions. That number – 1-800-339-1759 – is staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Finally, we have learned that there were several fatalities associated with this powerful storm. I ask that all New Yorkers keep victims of this storm and their families in their thoughts and prayers. New Yorkers are a resilient people, and working together, we will recover from the damage caused by this powerful storm."

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