I remind constituents in Montgomery and Schenectady Counties that FEMA Disaster Assistance Centers are still open at the Riverfront Center’s parking lot in Amsterdam and in the Rotterdam Square Mall. If you have not applied for FEMA assistance, I strongly urge you to go now before their offices close. Businesses are also encouraged to stop by the Disaster Assistance Centers as a federal SBA (Small Business Administration) office is also there. If residents cannot get to the centers, call FEMA at (800) 621-3362. Businesses can also call the regular FEMA number as well as the SBA Disaster Customer Assistance Center at (800) 659-2955. The New York State Empire State Development agency is encouraging businesses affected by Irene and Lee to work first with their insurance companies and then apply for FEMA assistance. The State agency also encourage businesses to go to its website at www.esd.ny.gov to fill out a questionnaire. This way, if other assistance becomes available, the agency knows how much damage has been done to entrepreneurs in this State. For businesses who have problems and concerns, call NYS Economic Development at (800) STATE-NY (1-800-782-8369).