Guest viewpoint: State's promise of help for flooded homeowners is an illusion for many

In a tragic repetition of past events, Hurricane Debby hit Steuben County and decimated the towns of Canisteo, Cameron, Greenwood, Jasper, Troupsburg, West Union, and Woodhull. The storm, which struck on Friday, Aug. 9, delivered over six inches of rain in just two hours, leading to flash floods that have left a trail of destruction.

This disaster comes nearly three years to the day after Hurricane Fred similarly devastated these same communities on Aug. 18, 2021.

The county manager, Jack Wheeler, has noted that around 25 homes have been destroyed , with further assessments expected to reveal additional losses. The cleanup and damage assessment efforts are ongoing , with crews working tirelessly to document the full extent of the devastation.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, in a visit to the Canisteo on Aug. 11, expressed deep sympathy for the victims .

"This storm washed away people's lives and their dreams. Businesses, farms up the road, homes, schools destroyed in matters of seconds," Hochul said. "It makes me heart sick to know what the people have gone through. It's more than really what one would expect anyone to have to bear."

Despite these heartfelt statements, the response from the state government has been criticized as inadequate and misleading by residents and local officials. Steuben County crews are actively clearing debris and assessing damage, but the scale of destruction is overwhelming.

Gov. Hochul's pledge of up to $50,000 in grants for homeowners in Steuben County was intended to assist with health and safety-related repairs. However, this is an illusion put up by the governor. This relief is limited to those earning less than the county's median income of $58,800 individual, or $67,200 for a household of two. This restriction leaves many residents without support once again. For many, this new disaster has compounded the financial strain from previous damage of 2021, leaving them feeling abandoned by the state.

The community's frustration extends beyond the insufficient financial aid. There is a growing sentiment that the state’s focus on social welfare programs and urban issues comes at the expense of rural, working-class areas like Steuben County. It’s astonishing that we can fund various programs for cities, green energy, illegal immigrants, and a new Bills stadium, but can’t seem to provide adequate help for those who truly need it in times of emergency.

Despite the inadequate state aid and the repeated devastation, the spirit of these communities remains unbroken. Friends are helping friends, volunteering to clean mud, help remove trees and debris, and even donating hay to farmers who have lost much of their crops. This is a complete failure of the New York state government, but this area is filled with people who refuse to give up, no matter how tough things get.

The road to recovery for these residents will be long, and we hope that a disaster declaration is made so FEMA can get involved. The resilience of the community will be tested once again. But despite the failures of government support, the people of Steuben County are determined to rebuild and persevere.

We will continue to make our voices heard.

— Michael Bradley is a Greenwood resident.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Guest viewpoint: State's promise of help for flooded homeowners is an illusion for many