Senator Stewart-Cousins spoke at a press conference with US Senator Charles Schumer, calling on state, local and county officials to clear debris from the Saw Mill River. She also called on FEMA to cover the costs of this clean-up through their Public Assistance Grant Program, which helps government entities pay for storm recovery.

After Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, large items such as tree limbs and oil tanks amassed in the river, raising the water level and disrupting normal flow. This has exacerbated an already chronic flooding problem in communities along the Saw Mill. Senator Stewart-Cousins says clearing this debris will help alleviate some flooding, but will not be the final solution to the long term regional problems.