Yates Arc will receive federal funds

PENN YAN--The Arc of Yates received a "critical private non-profit" designation last week allowing them to receive federal funds to start rebuilding. After sustaining heavy damage during the May flash floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted the Arc this designation to cover some 75 percent of the $1.2 million in damages.
Executive Director of the Arc of Yates Kate Ring said the designation will play a significant role in the rebuilding process by allowing the Arc to have a portion of its rebuilding costs reimbursed by FEMA. She said she is not yet sure what specific rebuilding costs will be covered by FEMA, adding a feasibility study still needs to be conducted before the work can officially begin.
The designation comes after both U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning) visited the Arc in recent months advocating for relief efforts.
"We are deeply grateful to Congressman Reed and Senator Gillibrand as well as [Yates County Chairman] Tim Dennis for all of their advocacy efforts in obtaining critical care facility designation which allows us to look forward to some financial relief from FEMA," Ring said.
Reed said making sure the Arc met the requirements for the designation was key in acquiring federal funding for the rebuilding effort.
"Getting the green-light from FEMA means the Arc can start what will be a major rebuilding process and get the process underway before winter weather hits," Reed said. "After our visit to the Arc last month and meeting with staff there, it's clear the Arc is doing an incredible job utilizing the resources it has to care for everyone in need of the Arc's services, but what they need now is to be able to rebuild. Making sure the Arc has the resources and support it needs to rebuild is something deserving and fair for the entire community."