ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will make federal disaster aid available to homeowners, renters and small businesses within five counties affected by the tremendous flooding caused by tropical storm Lee last week.

The federal aid comes none to soon following a year plagued by rain and flooding in Chenango County.

“We’ve had the storm of the century three times this year,” said Public Works Director Randy Gibbon.

FEMA’s disaster declaration will cover flood damage to residents in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties, Cuomo’s office reported.

“The recent flooding caused widespread damage across the Southern Tier and I thank FEMA for their prompt decision to help New Yorkers recover,” said Cuomo.