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Will New York be on its own when disaster strikes?

That may be the future after the next Superstorm Sandy or Hurricane Ida, according to recent remarks from the leader of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Administrator Cameron Hamilton.

At an annual meeting for state emergency managers on Tuesday, Hamilton indicated FEMA would shift financial responsibility for disaster preparation and recovery to states and localities in the next six months, as Politico first reported .

“Federal dollars should be building greater capability, not creating greater dependency,” he said in his remarks.

Despite his comments, the Trump administration has not officially announced any changes. Still, experts say such a shift could leave New York reeling after major storms that cause protracted damage and typically need major federal dollars to help.

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“It would be devastating for New York State — and, frankly, any state — and underscores the need for investing in pre-disaster resilience infrastructure to ensure that communities don't suffer in the first place,” said Amy Chester, director of the nonprofit resiliency organization Rebuild by Design. “The dollars that flow after climate disasters are absolutely critical for not only building back what was there, but helping communities withstand future events.”

Post-disaster funding to New York has been significant over the years.

New York State received over $23.8 billion from FEMA in the past 15 years, including in response to Hurricane Irene in 2011, Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ida in 2021 and Tropical Storm Lee in 2023, according to figures from the state comptroller’s office.

A spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul said she’d fight against policy changes and funding cuts that would put New Yorkers at risk.

“Any attempt by the Trump administration to cut financial assistance to communities stricken by disaster is an abdication of their responsibilities and is indefensible,” said spokesperson Jess D’Amelia.

Jeremy Edwards, a spokesperson for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, also condemned FEMA’s new position.

“As we approach the 14th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, which took 44 New Yorkers’ lives and caused billions of dollars in damage, it is unconscionable that the federal government would cut disaster aid without a clear plan or timeline — leaving cities and states without the resources or certainty they need to prepare,” Edwards said in a statement. “Coupled with reckless cuts to emergency preparedness and mitigation funding, this decision endangers New Yorkers.”