Akwesasne, NY - The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) received a major disaster declaration (DR-4818) on September 20, 2024, from the effects of Tropical Storm Debby. This declaration made federal Public Assistance funding available to SRMT and specific nonprofit organizations to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts. The Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department (HAVFD) is now undergoing significant improvements funded under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program.
Replacement of Damaged Parking Lot
HAVFD is completely replacing the department's parking lot to help ensure the fire department's operational readiness and safely accommodate personnel and equipment. Nolan Jacobs, Director of the Tribe’s Office of Emergency Management and Safety, shared the importance of this work: "We’re glad to see these repairs finally happening. The storm showed us where we needed improvements, and we worked hard to get the support to fix them. This fire station and the volunteers who work here are a big part of keeping our community safe." The Tribe’s Planning and Infrastructure Department is also improving drainage around the HAVFD parking lot to minimize damage from any future flooding.
Working Together for a Stronger Akwesasne
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is working closely with government agencies to make Akwesasne safer and better prepared for future storms. The fire department project is just one example of how the Tribe is rebuilding stronger after a disaster.