Assemblywoman Addie Russell says she is pleased that the governor has formally requested a declaration of a major federal disaster for New York State and for St. Lawrence County as a result of extensive damage from recent severe rains and flooding.

Governor Andrew Cuomo appealed to President Obama on Wednesday for a disaster declaration for more than two dozen New York counties, including St. Lawrence, to help with assistance after heavy rain and flooding in late April and which continues in some areas.

"Specifically, he requested assistance for St. Lawrence from the Individual Assistance program which provides assistance to individual home and business owners," Russell said.

The 118th District Democrat said that the state's rapid and ongoing response has been evident since late April.

"The State Emergency Management Organization (SEMO) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials have worked together to assess the damage and to implement the statewide Hazard Mitigation program to help prevent future, long-term risk to life or property stemming from disasters," the assemblywoman said.