Larkin Announces Disaster Recovery Funds For Summer Storms

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced the release of federal and state funding to local municipalities for the continuing recovery effort from last year’s late summer storms which resulted in two federal disaster declarations.

"Nature took a heavy toll on us last year," said Senator Larkin. "The summer storms of 2004 that brought heavy rains and flooding created an unexpected financial burden on many of our local communities. These payments from the state and federal government will help with issues such as road, bridge and dam repair, debris removal, and other infrastructural repairs."

Orange County will receive $48,436.47.

Ulster County will receive $14,995.86; Town of Esopus, $9,019.80; Ulster County Community College, $8,873.04; City of Kingston, $39,740.27; Town of Lloyd, $26,102.92.

The first series of storms, which began August 13 and continued through September 16, caused extensive flooding that closed State and local major roadways, isolating residents and significantly impacting businesses. The heavy rains caused power outages, and coupled with the road closures, forced scores to seek shelter out of their homes.

The second series of storms that occurred September 16-24 forced thousands of people from their homes, especially in the Delaware River Basin counties of Delaware, Sullivan and Orange. Damage to roads, bridges, dams and other infrastructure seriously impacted the ability of local governments to provide emergency services because of the closures and detours.