On the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ida, Governor Kathy Hochul honored seven New Yorkers for their heroic actions in the aftermath of the storm, which flooded homes and roads, caused billions of dollars in damages and killed 18 New Yorkers. Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation honoring September 1, 2022 as Hurricane Ida Remembrance Day. The event took place at Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities in Queens alongside local community leaders and partners in government.
"Ida brought unthinkable devastation to Queens, but in its wake we also saw countless acts of heroism from the community," Governor Hochul said. "In New York, we come together and lift each other up in times of devastation and despair, and I applaud these individuals for dedicating themselves to others who were hurting. In the worst of times, they showed us the best of humanity - and the best of New York."
The Governor honored the following individuals at today's ceremonial event:
- Maynel "Junior" Moreno and Jenniffer Moreno
- Tom Grech, President, Queens Chamber of Commerce
- Tafadar Sourov Laborers Local 79 organizer
- Reverend Patrick Young, First Baptist Church
- Yoselin Genao-Estrella, Executive Director, Neighborhood Housing Services
- Saeeda Dunston, Executive Director, Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, New York State government agencies at all levels worked together with the federal government, private sector organizations, and community volunteers responding to the storm, saving lives and protecting the health and safety of people during this emergency. This partnership has produced enhanced efforts that increased the state's preparedness, planning, training, and cooperation.
Earlier this spring, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced an allocation of $3 billion in CDBG-DR funds to help communities equitably recover from disasters, including Hurricane Ida, and build resilience to climate change. GOSR was allocated $41.2 million to support various proposed programs.
Governor Hochul secured an Emergency Disaster Declaration and a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida and its unprecedented, historic rainfall. The counties covered by the declarations include: Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester.
Last week, Governor Hochul announced the release of a proposed Action Plan by the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery to recover from Hurricane Ida to strengthen the resiliency of communities in future storm events. The proposed plan includes $41.2 million in federal funding to support initiatives that will help residents outside of New York City adapt to the effects of climate change while prioritizing historically underserved communities.
The Governor also announced that the State will be collecting public input on a variety of proposed programs that will remediate Ida-related damage to residential homes, improve resiliency to reduce risk of future flood damage, and to focus on recovery in low- to moderate-income communities. New Yorkers are outside of New York City are invited to provide feedback on the plan here by September 28, by attending the in-person public hearing on September 8 at 6:30 p.m. at New Rochelle City Hall, or the virtual hearing on September 13 at 6:30 p.m. (click here for virtual hearing info).
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, 'At an absolutely devastating moment for our community, these leaders gave us all hope. Through their example, they showed the power of coming together - and so many of them have done this in crisis after crisis, from COVID to Ida. On this somber anniversary, it's important to recognize the enormous loss our community has suffered - how many are still struggling to recover and how many can never be made whole. Nobody knows that better than these leaders, who gave so much of themselves. We thank them for their sacrifice and their continued commitment to Queens."
Representative Grace Meng said, "Hurricane Ida devastated my district and the Queens community. A year ago, homes were flooded, property was destroyed, and lives were tragically lost, including six of my constituents. While we continue to face challenges in rebuilding Queens and NYC, I am honored to stand alongside Governor Hochul as she recognizes local heroes during the aftermath of the storm that went above and beyond to help their neighborhoods. Since Hurricane Ida hit New York City, we have made a number of strides to further protect our community from the destruction of last year, but much more must be done. I look forward to continuing to work at the federal level and in conjunction with local officials to protect the residents of Queens and New York so that this devastation and loss of life never happens again."
State Senator Jessica Ramos said, "Reflecting on all the work that has been done, including a $27 million fund for undocumented survivors of Ida and $41 million in the state enacted budget for Ida relief, I am grateful that the Governor responded so effectively in the early days of her tenure. My neighbors live in frontline climate communities, they need both the jobs that will come from a just transition and a concentration of the resiliency investments. There's work to do to mitigate the damage from future storms, but today we will reflect and honor the New Yorkers we lost last year to climate change."
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, "Today we remember the lives lost after this tragic storm where 11 people from Queens perished. During Governor Hochul's first week in office, we visited those who experienced devastating effects, including the death of loved ones. We also honor those who volunteered and served our neighbors during their greatest time of need. A year ago Governor Hochul promised to return. Promised made. Promise kept."
Assemblymember Catalina Cruz said, "A year ago, we saw a clear picture of what happens when we don't properly invest in the working poor and in protecting our environment. Ida ravaged our community and took everything from many of our neighbors. I am thankful for Governor Hochul stepping in almost immediately, visiting our neighbors and securing millions for those left out of FEMA's help. In all of this, we also saw angels that stepped in to help, simply because it was the right thing to do. I am honored to call folks like Yoselin Henao, Tom Grech, and Rev Young my friends, and to see our partners in Labor Local 79, as well as Saida and Junior recognized for their selfless work. They deserve this recognition and so much more, our neighbors would not have been able to get back on their feet without them. We have a long road ahead to truly turn back the clock on the damage we have caused our environment. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul on tackling this important issue and ensuring our infrastructure can truly sustain our communities."
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, "One year ago today, thousands of Queens residents from Flushing to Hollis and beyond saw their lives change in an instant. But from the scenes of devastation across Queens came stories of neighbors helping neighbors — and even complete strangers stepping up to help clothe and feed families who lost so much. Today, we honor those who lost their lives during this catastrophe, and we honor all those heroes who lent a hand in one of our borough's times of greatest need."
First Baptist Church Reverend Patrick Young said, "Last year Hurricane Ida shook our communities to its core, but during that time our neighbors united together. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and working hand-in-hand with our church to provide resources and help us get back to normal."
Maynel Moreno said, "One year ago Hurricane Ida struck my community of East Elmhurst, destroying homes and businesses. In the aftermath our neighbors throughout the community joined together in the relief effort. I am thankful for Governor Hochul for coming to the neighborhood and helping get our neighbors back to normalcy."
Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens CDC Executive Director Yoselin Genao Estrella said, "We commend Governor Hochul and her team for bringing resources to our communities that were devastated by Hurricane Ida and Covid 19 Pandemic and for todays' recognition of our work. We are grateful to our neighbors for allowing us to serve them in their time of need. They have shown us that no storm nor pandemic can stop Queens' residents from moving forward. As a Superstorm Sandy survivor myself, the work I do is very personal. I am blessed to work at NHS of Queens alongside colleagues with unparalleled commitment to improve the lives of our neighbors by providing programs and services in a dignified way. Our tiny but mighty organization has been instrumental in bringing in resources, volunteers, and other partners to invest in and strengthen Queens. Since the day after the hurricane, NHSQ staff knocked on doors of neighborhoods affected to ensure that individuals and families were safe and accessing relief services. But it takes a village, we can only do our work by working in partnership. The road to recovery is a long one and we look forward to continue working in partnership to bring more sustainable, pragmatic, dignified, resilient programs and investments in Queens."
Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities Executive Director Saeeda Dunston said, "Our community has been hit severely with COVID, Overdose and then came IDA. One year after the storm we remember those who lost their lives, homes and stability. One of our Older Adult Center was flooded and destroyed which displaced our partcipants for 10 months. We happy to say we are back open today. Elmcor staff stepped up as they have for decades and will continue to work for the people."
Neighborhood Housing Services Executive Director Yoselin Genao-Estrella said, "Hurricane Ida devastated many neighborhoods in our city last year. As union members we live and breathe a sense of responsibility to our city and our communities, so we took action to help those who were devastated by the flooding. We thank Governor Hochul for recognizing our volunteer disaster relief efforts, and for standing with the affected communities to ensure resiliency in the face of changing climate patterns."
Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech, said, "I am honored to be a part of this group recognized for our efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. My role at the Queens Chamber of Commerce is not a job but a passion, and I am grateful for Governor Hochul's support."