Halloran Says FEMA Should Extend Aid to Co-ops

Councilman Dan Halloran, R-Whitestone, is calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to change its rules on providing aid to co-op owners.

Under FEMA's rules, co-ops may receive loans, but not grants for repairs, because the agency considers them to be business associations.

Both Halloran and U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, D-Melville, have called on FEMA to provide aid to co-ops in the event of disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy.

"Co-op owners are homeowners who have invested in the American dream of owning property and being part of a neighborhood," Halloran said. "These buildings are residential in character and must be treated as such by FEMA. They are entitled to receive the same help from FEMA as house dwellers."