updated, 9/24/25 by Quality Parks

This petition urges our government leaders to work out a clear FEMA application process and fix Harbor Road in Stony Brook, NY, where the Harbor Road Dam collapsed in August 2024, destroying the public road and draining Mill Pond. 

Joint Application: Example Letter (ChatGPT generated)

To: FEMA-R2-ExternalAffairs@fema.dhs.gov
CC: [Brookhaven Emergency Management contact], [WMHO contact], [other local officials]
Subject: Public Assistance Submission – Flood-Damaged Road and Dam (Town of Brookhaven Applicant, WMHO Responsible Party)

Dear FEMA Region 2 Public Assistance Team,

On behalf of the Town of Brookhaven (Applicant) and the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are jointly submitting documentation regarding flood damage to the public road and dam located at [location/parcel description] during [disaster name / DR-####].

To clarify roles and responsibilities:

The Town of Brookhaven is the applicant of record and holds legal responsibility for the public road crossing the dam.
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) is both the owner and legally responsible entity for the dam structure.
The flooding event caused:

Complete destruction of the dam structure (WMHO)
Washout of the public road (Brookhaven)
Both facilities serve essential public purposes, including access for residents and emergency services, stormwater and flood control, and community conservation benefits.

Per FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide Version 5.0 (effective January 6, 2025), eligibility is based on legal responsibility at the time of the disaster. The attached letters confirm and document the legal responsibility of both entities.

Attachments:

Letter – Town of Brookhaven (Applicant, Road Responsibility)
Letter – WMHO (Owner & Responsible Party, Dam)
Supporting Documentation (agreements, damage photos, preliminary estimates)
We respectfully request FEMA’s consideration of this joint submission under the Public Assistance Program and welcome any guidance on next steps.

Sincerely,
[Name, Title] – Town of Brookhaven
[Name, Title] – Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)

 
⚡ With this email:

FEMA gets one unified submission, avoiding confusion.
Brookhaven stays the official applicant, which FEMA requires for public facilities.
WMHO’s dam responsibility is clearly documented.

Learn more about Quality Parks Underlying Research

•  FEMA Flood Grant - Harbor Road, Stony Brook