Power When It's Needed: Grant From Senator Murphy Helps Cortlandt Purchase Emergency Generators

CORTLANDT MANOR, NY - The historic Halloween snow storm that blew through New York in 2011, downing trees, snapping electrical wires and leaving thousands in the dark, is still a fresh memory for many of us. Like many towns in Westchester, Cortlandt struggled to function without electricity. To keep this scenario from occurring again, Senator Terrence Murphy has secured a $150,000 grant that guarantees if the lights go out, the Cortlandt Department of Environmental Services will still be able to do its job.

The grant will be used to buy two emergency generators that will be installed at the Highway Department's offices at 167 Roa Hook road and 140 8th Street.

"Extraordinary weather is becoming rather ordinary in the Hudson Valley," said Senator Murphy. "We had devastating storms in October in back-to-back years where families were without power for more than a week. It is important that Cortlandt's Environmental Services Department continue to operate no matter what the prevailing weather conditions may be. The back-up generators will help keep essential personnel and services on the road."

"Our Public Works Department is tasked with clearing roads, removing debris and getting communities back to normal during and immediately following weather related disasters," said Linda Puglisi, Cortlandt Town Supervisor. "The Department of Environmental Services performs Public Works operations for the Town of Cortlandt. Operating our two locations the Department is tasked with responding to emergencies in the absence of electricity. Diesel fired generators are required at both facilities to maintain operations during extended periods. Generators can easily be installed at both locations to provide emergency backup power. We are very appreciative of Senator Murphy for this state grant which will provide our town with these needed generators."

Unlike other towns, Cortlandt has no police or fire departments. The Department of Environmental Services serves as the town's first responders.

"The back-up generators will supply us with the power we need to continue to operate during storm events," said Jeff Coleman, Director of Environmental Services, Highway Division. "Trees were uprooted, wires were down and we experienced electrical outages during Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Irene when they passed through. Having been through those catastrophic weather events, we literary now have a back-up plan."