Statement from Governor David A. Paterson

ALBANY, NY (09/17/2010)(readMedia)-- "The strong storm that moved through the New York City boroughs of Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens early Thursday evening severed electric power in thousands of homes and businesses, disrupted travel for thousands, and caused extensive property damage and unfortunately the loss of life.

"I have spoken with Mayor Bloomberg and have offered him assistance from State agencies. Immediately after the storm, scores of State Department of Transportation workers and equipment began clearing massive debris from the roadways.

"I have asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide teams of federal inspectors to determine the extent of damage in the three boroughs. As part of the federal disaster process, both the individual boroughs and the State must reach a threshold of damage before any federal assistance can be requested. The New York State Office of Emergency Management will take the first step in the process tomorrow and begin the damage assessment working in partnership with the New York City Office of Emergency Management.

"I ask all New Yorkers to keep the family of Iline Leuakis in their thoughts and prayers. Iline was tragically killed when a tree crashed on her car on the Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The severity of the storm may have caught us by surprise, but New Yorkers are a resilient people and we will get through this ordeal together."

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