BRIEF: Trump issues Lake Ontario disaster declaration

Nov. 14--President Donald Trump has issued a major disaster declaration for New York state communities impacted by Lake Ontario flooding earlier this year.

The move clears the way for the federal government to supplement state and local recovery efforts in Niagara, Orleans and other counties affected by flooding, which caused extensive shoreline damage from May 2 to Aug. 6.

A release announcing the decision indicated that federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private non-profit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Jefferson, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wayne.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide, according to the release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, FEMA noted.

The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal will provide additional information online and in Wednesday's edition as it is made available.

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