By Peter Katz
The President Biden declared a major disaster on the 22nd of July. This included Dukess County, Orange County, Putnam county, and Rockland counties. The declaration states that the State of New York has been hit by a disaster. Federal assistance is required to assist the state, local, tribal and state recover from the severe storms, flooding and other natural events from July 9-10.
The White House has announced that federal funding will be available on a shared-cost basis to certain non-profit organizations and eligible local, state, tribal or municipal governments. In Clinton, Dutchess County, Essex, Hamilton (Ontario), Orange, Putnam and Rockland, severe flooding and storms caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Cost-sharing models are also available across the entire state for measures to mitigate hazards.
Lai Sun Yee, a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA), has been appointed by the White House to assist in federal recovery efforts. After damage assessment is completed in another area, additional counties may receive federal assistance.
While visiting West Point, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Pat Ryan and Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer pledged that they would push for federal funds and personnel to recover. According to the three, damage estimates for West Point alone have already exceeded $100,000,000.
Schumer stated that it is obvious West Point, Orange County and Hudson Valley need assistance. “We need to get everyone on board to start the long journey to recovery for West Point and Hudson Valley,” he said.
West Point does not qualify for FEMA funding due to Section 312 The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act’s prohibition against “duplicate benefits”. Highland Falls, on the other hand may be eligible for FEMA funds if the President declares a major disaster or an emergency. FEMA can provide federal funding to affected communities, including those in Highland Falls.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) sent 30 engineers to West Point, New York, to assess the damages, estimate costs, and determine the repairs needed.
Four buildings have been damaged, ranging from structural damage caused by foundation erosion or being struck by a falling tree. The floodwaters washed away and destroyed roads, bridges, sports facilities and dams. West Point was flooded by at least 130 houses, 20 of which suffered severe damages.
Ryan was horrified to discover that the campus had been devastated in addition to barracks, athletic facilities and other buildings.
Gillibrand is committed to ensuring that West Point can be rebuilt efficiently and with the most federal funding possible.
Schumer stated: “I’m committed to making sure West Point receives the federal resources needed to stand above the water and be proud again.
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