State reps survey flood, tornado damage
NORWICH – Representatives from the office of Governor Andrew Cuomo joined city, county and state officials on Thursday to assess the damage at several sites across Chenango County following a series of powerful storms that spawned at least three tornadoes and caused significant flooding.
Following the tour – which included stops at the Red Mill Bridge in Norwich, portions of County Route 21 and Pharsalia – NYS Commissioner for the Department of Transportation Joan McDonald, NYS Regional Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management Thomas E. McCartney, II, and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch joined Mayor Joe Maiurano, Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo, Police Chief Joseph Angelino, Town of North Norwich Supervisor Richard Decker and Emergency Management Office Director Matt Beckwith in the Emergency Operation Center at the Norwich Police Department to discuss the damage.
According to McDonald, the governor “firmly believes” that state government must be responsible for the communities it serves throughout the state; Albany must get involved and that he was “very concerned with the impact” the tornadoes and flooding have had on the county’s infrastructure.
“We saw some very eye-opening situations when we were out,” said McDonald of the tornado damage in Pharsalia. “That is a new phenomenon for this part of the country.”
The purpose of the visit was two-fold, stated McDonald, not only to assess the damage across the county, but to assure county residents that they are not alone as the recovery effort continues.
“We at the DOT and the rest of our state agencies are here to help,” said McDonald, who called the damage to local homes, businesses and infrastructure significant.
City and county officials said they’re hoping for a disaster declaration at the state level, which would send much-needed equipment, people and other resources to the area. McDonald was unsure how long such a declaration will take, but added the governor has “a real sense of urgency” about the situation.
Emergency Management’s Matt Beckwith said damage costs countywide are approaching $2.9 million at this time, with some damage yet to be reported. The flash flooding at Red Mill Bridge could push that number over $3 million.
“We’re really hoping for that declaration,” added Beckwith. “We need it.”
The damage statewide is estimated at $18 million as of Thursday, stated McCartney, although several regions have yet to report and assessment efforts are still underway. For New York state to qualify for federal aid, the damage total must reach approximately $25 million.
“The North Country assessment is not in yet but there’s a very good chance we will exceed that number,” he added.
Following the tour – which included stops at the Red Mill Bridge in Norwich, portions of County Route 21 and Pharsalia – NYS Commissioner for the Department of Transportation Joan McDonald, NYS Regional Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management Thomas E. McCartney, II, and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch joined Mayor Joe Maiurano, Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo, Police Chief Joseph Angelino, Town of North Norwich Supervisor Richard Decker and Emergency Management Office Director Matt Beckwith in the Emergency Operation Center at the Norwich Police Department to discuss the damage.
According to McDonald, the governor “firmly believes” that state government must be responsible for the communities it serves throughout the state; Albany must get involved and that he was “very concerned with the impact” the tornadoes and flooding have had on the county’s infrastructure.
“We saw some very eye-opening situations when we were out,” said McDonald of the tornado damage in Pharsalia. “That is a new phenomenon for this part of the country.”
The purpose of the visit was two-fold, stated McDonald, not only to assess the damage across the county, but to assure county residents that they are not alone as the recovery effort continues.
“We at the DOT and the rest of our state agencies are here to help,” said McDonald, who called the damage to local homes, businesses and infrastructure significant.
City and county officials said they’re hoping for a disaster declaration at the state level, which would send much-needed equipment, people and other resources to the area. McDonald was unsure how long such a declaration will take, but added the governor has “a real sense of urgency” about the situation.
Emergency Management’s Matt Beckwith said damage costs countywide are approaching $2.9 million at this time, with some damage yet to be reported. The flash flooding at Red Mill Bridge could push that number over $3 million.
“We’re really hoping for that declaration,” added Beckwith. “We need it.”
The damage statewide is estimated at $18 million as of Thursday, stated McCartney, although several regions have yet to report and assessment efforts are still underway. For New York state to qualify for federal aid, the damage total must reach approximately $25 million.
“The North Country assessment is not in yet but there’s a very good chance we will exceed that number,” he added.
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