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QUEENS (CBS/AP) ― New York politicians are asking FEMA to step in to assist with the aftermath of the blackout in Queens. Read the full news release below.

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Senators Schumer, Clinton And Queens Congressional Representatives Call On FEMA To Step In And Help After Queens Power Outage Disaster

Members of Congress call on President Bush, Governor Pataki and FEMA to help Queens residents

Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton and U.S. Representatives Joe Crowley, Carolyn Maloney and Nydia Velazquez today called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to step in and help the thousands of Queens residents who have been without power for more than a week.

In a letter to FEMA Director David R. Paulison, the Members of Congress said they were encouraging Governor Pataki to make a disaster declaration for the area in order to expedite state and federal assistance, and called on FEMA to determine whether there is an appropriate federal role for the agency in assisting residents impacted by the blackouts. They also asked whether the President may exercise his authority to issue an Emergency Declaration for the impacted areas. In the event that a Major Disaster Declaration is made, they called on the Federal Government to make grants and low-interest loans available under the Stafford Act to impacted individuals and businesses.

"With thousands of New Yorkers literally left in the dark for days on end, the federal government should step up to the plate and provide Queens residents and businesses with the assistance necessary to get back on their feet," said Senator Schumer.

"We must ensure that the state and federal governments are taking the appropriate action to respond to this disaster, which has impacted thousands of people and hundreds of small businesses throughout Queens," Senator Clinton said. "I have been following this situation closely and I believe that if state and federal assistance is needed, then we must ensure it is available since people and businesses are suffering as each day passes. The people of Queens deserve answers from Con Ed as to why this happened and what is being done to prevent it from happening again."

"Immediate federal aid must be given to northwestern Queens residents and businesses that have been punished by the power outage crisis for a prolonged period at once. This situation calls for urgent action on the federal government's part to step in help offset the spiraling costs and mitigate the conditions of this disaster on Queens businesses and residents," said Rep. Joe Crowley.

"The blackout has been an unmitigated disaster and the federal government needs to declare it as such. It's really the worst of both worlds for western Queens residents: the neighborhood produces most of the city's power, yet the area's electrical grid appears to be one of our least reliable. "FEMA must take action now," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney.

"Last week I called on the Small Business Administration to provide assistance to area businesses - now we are asking FEMA to do its part. It is crucial that the affected communities receive assistance in rebounding from this crippling power outage," said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez.

[A copy of the letter is attached]

July 25, 2006

The Honorable R. David Paulison
Undersecretary for Federal Emergency Management
Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
United States Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472

Dear Mr. Paulison:

We write concerning a situation that continues to worsen as time passes. We know firsthand that power outages have occurred in Queens, New York especially in Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, and Hunters Point as well as reports of outages in other areas. Thousands of individuals, and an estimated 750 small businesses, have been affected and we are concerned about the long-term impact this could have on these heavily populated areas. Costs are anticipated to exceed several million dollars.

To date, the Governor has not made a declaration as a result of this incident. Nonetheless, under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121, "...the President may exercise any authority vested in him by... [the Stafford Act] with respect to an emergency when he determines that an emergency exists for which the primary responsibility for response rests with the United States [.]"

While we are encouraging the Governor to make such a declaration in order to expedite state and federal assistance, we ask that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determine whether there is an appropriate federal role and whether the President may exercise his authority to issue an Emergency Declaration for the impacted areas. Further, in the event the damage assessments warrant a Major Disaster Declaration, we hope that grants and low-interest loans available under the Stafford Act will be made available to the affected individuals and businesses.

As the summer continues to put considerable pressure upon the power grids, we are concerned that this is only the beginning of critical situations like this. To that end, we ask that FEMA be prepared to provide assistance in the event the current situation worsens.

Our fellow citizens and small business owners have been suffering greatly and we want to make sure we are doing everything possible to provide much-needed relief in the coming days. We must also ensure minimal disruption to key infrastructure should this power outage worsen. We ask that you please respond to our inquiry about the potential for a Presidential Emergency or Major Disaster declaration as well as FEMA's preparatory actions in the event that there are additional risks of loss of life, property, and business.

We appreciate your attention to this important matter and ask that you consult with the Governor of New York to determine the next appropriate steps for the federal government. If you need additional information please do not hesitate to contact any of us about the current situation.

Sincerely yours,

Hillary Rodham Clinton Charles E. Schumer

United States Senate United States Senate

Joseph Crowley Carolyn B. Maloney

United States House of Representatives United States House of Representatives

Nydia M. Velazquez

United States House of Representatives
CC: The Honorable George Pataki, Governor of New York

The Honorable Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City

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(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)