MidHudsonNews [dot] com is reporting U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are urging FEMA to be ready to quickly approve any request from the state for a disaster declaration for Hudson Valley counties impacted by winter storms Riley and Quinn. The snow and strong winds toppled trees, downed utility poles and electric cables. It has taken days for utility companies to restore power in some areas. Schumer said it is “absolutely crucial that we get [area communities] the resources they need to recover. FEMA needs to stand ready to swiftly approve any forthcoming requests from the state for assistance to help these communities recover and rebuild.” Gillibrand urged FEMA “to immediately approve any requests for funding in order to ensure communities can quickly and fully recover.”