County Executive Says Federal Government Is “Punishing Their Neighbors” as Blizzard Aid Denial Follows Withholding of $87 Million in Counterterrorism Funding
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is joining New York Governor Kathy Hochul in condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to deny New York State’s appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration following the February blizzard that caused more than $168 million in damages and placed a significant financial burden on communities across New York, including here in Westchester County.
The decision comes just one day after Jenkins supported Hochul’s call for the Trump Administration to release $87 million in critical counterterrorism funding being withheld from New York.
Jenkins said: “Here we go – political games again by the Trump Administration. Our first responders, emergency management teams, public works crews and municipal employees did not hesitate when this storm hit. They showed up, worked around the clock and did everything necessary to protect our residents and keep our communities safe. The federal government should show that same commitment to the people it serves.”
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear said: “Westchester County was significantly impacted by a major blizzard in February. The County and local communities spent millions of dollars in emergency protective measures, snow removal costs, road and structure repairs, electric service restoration, emergency responses, and much more. We carefully documented our expenses and exceeded the required Federal eligibility thresholds for FEMA support and reimbursements. That is how the federal law is supposed to work. Our emergency personnel stepped up when called to respond to public safety needs during a major blizzard. But now the federal government has refused to honor their commitment to our communities and our first responders.”
Jenkins said: “It seems that Trump and Congressman Mike Lawler forgot they are New Yorkers because they are punishing their neighbors over political disagreements – it’s disgraceful. New Yorkers deserve representatives who will put the needs of their constituents ahead of party politics.