SC New York News

On August 16, 2024, Congressman Nick Langworthy announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved federal disaster assistance for farmers and communities impacted by severe tornadoes and storms caused by Hurricane Beryl in July. The disaster designation covers seven primary counties, including Erie County, as well as 23 contiguous counties such as Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben. This designation will provide farm operators access to emergency loans and other recovery resources for those who experienced significant damage and crop losses from the July 10-16 storm event.

“I’m pleased to announce that our farmers and communities will receive the federal support they need to rebuild after the devastating tornadoes and storm damage from Hurricane Beryl in July,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This designation is essential for helping our farmers recover from losses and continue their vital work. I continue to advocate for federal relief for those in Steuben County and surrounding areas who were recently hit with devastating flooding from Tropical Storm Debby.”

Congressman Langworthy, along with other members of the New York Congressional delegation, sent a letter urging the USDA to approve this disaster designation and provide swift relief to the affected areas.

According to the USDA, Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous to such primary counties eligible to be considered for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans if eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. FSA considers each emergency loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator.

Local FSA offices will provide more details on how to access these resources and apply for assistance.