Smithtown Among Communities Receiving FEMA Disaster Funds

The Town of Smithtown will receive more than $254,500 in federal disaster assistance to repair drainage infrastructure damaged during the historic flooding that slammed Suffolk County in August 2024, part of a statewide FEMA funding package exceeding $107 million announced Monday.

Smithtown was the only Long Island municipality specifically identified in FEMA's announcement. The funding will reimburse the town for repairing or replacing metal drainage pipes damaged by severe storms and flooding that inundated neighborhoods, washed out roads and overwhelmed drainage systems.

The reimbursement stems from the devastating Aug. 18-19, 2024 storm, when approximately 10 inches of rain fell across parts of Smithtown. The unprecedented rainfall caused widespread flooding, damaged roads and public infrastructure, and contributed to the breach of two local dams, including one at Blydenburgh County Park. The National Weather Service issued its first-ever Flash Flood Emergency for Suffolk County, while state officials described the event as a once-in-1,000-year rainfall.

The funding is part of more than $106 million awarded through FEMA's Public Assistance Program to reimburse local governments for disaster-related costs. Eligible projects include repairing roads, restoring public buildings, rebuilding damaged infrastructure and covering emergency response expenses incurred following federally declared disasters.

Other communities receiving assistance include the Town of Colton, which was awarded more than $766,000, the Town of Colchester with more than $702,500 and the Town of Canisteo with more than $567,000, all for infrastructure repairs related to Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA also approved $104,000 through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to update Delaware County's Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The agency said mitigation funding helps state and local governments reduce future disaster risks through planning, infrastructure improvements, drainage projects, stronger building standards and other measures designed to lessen damage before the next major storm strikes.