State Authorizes $5.5 Billion for Disaster Reflief Aid

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. recently announced that New York State authorized spending of $5.5 billion to support the ongoing relief efforts from terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and to provide assistance to victims and their families.

"There is obvious human devastation from the terrorist attacks, but there will also be economic devastation," Fuschillo said. "This relief legislation will support efforts by New York City and other localities to meet any needs in responding to tragedy."

The authorization includes $5 billion in Federal appropriation authority to allow New York State to receive Federal Emergency Management Agency funds and pass on these funds to New York City, other localities and State agencies for the Federal share of expenses incurred for the response to the World Trade Center attack and cleanup efforts.

The bill also includes $500 million in other appropriation authority that would allow the State maximum flexibility to access other Federal funds and sources of assistance to reimburse New York City and other localities that have responded to the disaster.

In addition, the Senate and Assembly passed fiscal measures to increase the city's bonding authority by $2.5 billion for disaster relief efforts.