Federal Aid Approved for N.Y. Flood Victims

A Long Island congressman says 13 families who lost their homes in flooding more than a year ago will likely receive federal aid.

Rep. Steve Bishop tells Newsday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency informed his office Friday that it is all but certain to provide the flood relief.

Bishop said the approval of FEMA’s director could come as soon as Monday.

Flooding destroyed 13 houses in Riverhead in eastern Long Island during a severe spring storm in 2010.

The FEMA grant would end a waiting game for the homeowners. The agency denied an earlier request for $3.8 million in direct disaster relief aid. Bishop said the new grant would come under a separate hazard mitigation fund.

Newsday said FEMA would not confirm that the money will be awarded.

Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com.