Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is asking the federal government to grant a Major Disaster Declaration for 15 counties impacted by flash flooding, tornados and unprecedented levels of precipitation during severe storms in late June and July.

That includes St. Lawrence.

The governor's request includes calls for both public and individual assistance for all 15 impacted counties. Once the declaration is granted, FEMA funding would be available to the state and eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis to support debris removal, structure repairs and emergency protective measures.

On Aug. 3, Cuomo requested a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment in which teams of state and federal experts estimated over $30 million in infrastructure repair, debris removal and structure damage as a result of these storms. At least 115 homes were severely damaged and approximately 230 homes and business were identified as sustaining storm related damage. The severe weather resulted in locally significant power outages in multiple locations.

The public assistance portion of the request would provide funding to support repairs to public infrastructure, buildings, various other measures to better protect these assets during emergencies and debris removal. The individual assistance component would provide financial support or direct services to New Yorkers with serious needs and are unable to meet them on their own. This includes everything from housing assistance (including temporary housing, repair, replacement, and semi-permanent or permanent housing construction) to assistance with personal property or other items.

Communities in these counties have received more than a foot above normal rainfall during this period, and at least 60 reports of flash flooding were received by National Weather Service.