ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – President Biden has approved Governor Kathy Hochul's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal assistance to communities impacted by Tropical Storm Debby in New York. Hochul requested this declaration in early September following damaging floods and storms throughout the state as a result of Tropical Storm Debby on August 8 through 10. In our region, Steuben, Ontario and Yates counties were hit the hardest by floods as a result of the storm. Damages, though, were widespread – seen in communities across New York State. ‘We don’t know what’s going to happen:’ Steuben County farm owners lose ‘everything’ after damaging floods hit area In the aftermath of the storm, Hochul made $50 thousand grants available to homeowners in Allegany, Delaware, Franklin, Steuben and St. Lawrence Counties. The declaration allows for federal financial assistance to support public infrastructure reconstruction efforts in the following counties: Allegany Broome Delaware Essex Franklin Jefferson Ontario Steuben St. Lawrence Yates ‘You’ll not be forgotten’: Gov. Kathy Hochul promises support to those impacted by Friday’s flooding The Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government primarily through FEMA's Public Assistance Program. Funding is provided to local governments and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to buildings and infrastructure including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities. All counties in the State will have the ability to apply for this funding. More application information will become available in the coming months.