Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Rockland Counties are among those named in a disaster declaration issued by President Biden on July 22. The declaration said that a major disaster exists in New York state and ordered federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding that took place from July 9 to July 10.
The White House explained that federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in the counties of Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Orange, Putnam, and Rockland. Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
The White House said that Lai Sun Yee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas. It said that damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of federal assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer along with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Pat Ryan had pledged to push for an influx of federal funding and needed personnel for recovery during a visit to West Point on July 17. They said the damage estimates for just the military academy had already gone over the $100 million mark.
“After seeing the devastation at West Point and around Orange County today firsthand, it is clear that these communities desperately need help, and we need all federal hands on deck to help West Point and the Hudson Valley start on the long road to recovery,” said Schumer.
Because West Point is a federal military installation, it is not included in potential FEMA aid under the “duplication of benefits” restrictions in Section 312 of The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Highland Falls and other hard-hit communities would be eligible for FEMA funding. The Stafford Act authorizes the president to issue “Major Disaster” or “Emergency” declarations. These declarations unlock federal aid through FEMA that is broken into two broad areas: Individual Assistance that aids families and individuals, and Public Assistance that is mainly for emergency work such as debris removal and permanent repairs to infrastructure.
Repairs at West Point need to be arranged through the U.S. Army”™s Installation Management Command. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent 30 people to West Point to begin evaluating the damage, scope-out necessary repairs and come up with cost estimates.
Damage included washed out and collapsed bridges, dams, athletic facilities and roads. At least four buildings received structural damage, ranging from foundation erosion to being hit by a tree that came down. In addition, at least 130 homes at West Point were flooded with at least 20 of those having severe damage.
“As a West Point graduate, I was especially shocked to see the significant destruction across campus, including the barracks and athletic facilities,” Ryan said. “We need all-hands-on-deck to restore this crucial American institution.”
Gillibrand said she is “committed to doing everything I can to get the maximum amount of federal aid to the area as soon as possible and making sure West Point rebuilds stronger.”
“As majority leader I am committed to getting West Point all the federal resources it needs to rise from the waters and stand proud once again,” Schumer said. “We must get West Point, the Hudson Valley and communities across Upstate NY the help they need ASAP.”
