‘In this for the long haul’: Steuben County’s flood damage estimated to be in the millions

Up to a dozen structures were completely destroyed by the flood. County officials are hopeful FEMA will reimburse most damage

Chris Potter – The Evening Tribune

An army of volunteers remains in action in southern Steuben County this week, helping local residents, businesses and schools through the cleanup phase of last week’s historic flood event.

For county officials, this phase of the process also includes a lot of counting as the financial toll of the flood damage comes into focus.

Up to a dozen structures were completely destroyed, and about 25 more suffered major damage, Steuben County Director of Public Safety Tim Marshall told the county legislature Monday. Officials estimated more than 500 homes and businesses have sustained some level of damage.

“Folks are going to be in this for the long haul,” said Marshall.

The county is attempting to document every dollar of damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Fred. Marshall said the statewide damage toll will need to reach $30 million for the county to be eligible for financial reimbursements from FEMA.

Star-Gazette

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