New York Gov. Cuomo Issues Statement on Second Anniversary of Hurricane Maria

ALBANY, New York, Sept. 20 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following statement:

"Two years since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, the island is still recovering from the catastrophic damage and families are still suffering as a result of the federal government's refusal to provide adequate assistance. While the Trump Administration turned its back on our fellow American citizens, New York continues to support our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico in their time of need and help the island build back stronger than before.

"Through our New York Stands with Puerto Rico Recovery and Rebuilding Initiative, we have deployed student volunteers and critical resources to help some of the island's most vulnerable communities. In the latest deployment in summer 2019, SUNY and CUNY students logged over 26,000 hours of volunteer work and restored 68 homes.

"Additionally, over 900 displaced residents of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have been served by case management programs across the state that were funded by $1.2 million by the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

"We will never forget the strength and resiliency the Puerto Rican community has shown in the aftermath of this crisis, and we will continue to offer our full support on its path to recovery."