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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. September 9, 2021:
Westchester County will unveil a new 9/11 memorial dedicated to the first responders who lost their lives to 9/11 related illnesses Friday. The unveiling of the Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial is a fulfilled promise made by County Executive George Latimer to honor those we have lost due to 9/11 related illnesses:
· Firefighter – Gary S Allo – White Plains Fire Department
· Police Officer – Christopher M Barry – NYPD
· Sergeant – Patrick J Boyle – NYPD
· Sergeant – Patrick T Coyne – NYPD
· Battalion – Chief Kevin R Byrnes – FDNY
· John M Cozza – Construction Industry
· Emergency Medical Technician – Luis De Pena, Jr – FDNY
· Police Officer Kenneth X Domenech – NYPD
· Police Officer Nicholas G Finelli – NYPD
· Lieutenant – Clark W Douglass – White Plains Fire Department
· Firefighter – Daniel R Foley – FDNY
· Detective – Mark S Gado – New Rochelle Police Department
· Richard A Grace – Construction Industry
· Commissioner Peter S Guyett – Yonkers Fire Department
· Firefighter – Herbert D Harriott – Rye Fire Department
· Police Officer – Joseph F Heid – NYPD
· Detective – Michael A Houlahan – NYPD
· John A Lo Bianco – Construction Industry
· Police Officer – Anthony Maggiore – Yonkers Police Department
· Executive Director – Stephan Hittmann – FDNY
· Fire Fighter – Gary S Martin – White Plains Fire Department
· Lieutenant – Roy D McLaughlin – Yonkers Police Department
· Firefighter – Robert A Mentrasti – Fairview Fire Department
· Detective – James W Monahan – NYPD
· Police Officer – Walter L Mallinson – Harrison Police Department
· Lieutenant – John W Moran – FDNY
· Firefighter – Kevin J Nolan – FDNY
· Police Officer – Kathleen O’Connor Funigello – New Rochelle Police Department
· Firefighter – John V Peteani Jr – Yonkers Fire Department
· Firefighter – Michael R O’Hanlon – FDNY
· Firefighter – Eduardo A Rivera – Yonkers Fire Department
· Detective – Joseph E Seabrook – NYPD
· Captain – Robert J Spatta – Croton on the Hudson Fire Department
· Deputy Chief – Frank G Strollo – New Rochelle Fire Department
· Captain – Ronald G Peifer SR – FDNY
· Captain – Dennis P Tortorella – Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department
· Firefighter – Neill S Tyndal JR – Yonkers Fire Department
· Detective – Charles J Wassil JR – Peekskill Police Department
· Lieutenant – Marden C Wolf – White Plains Fire Department
· James P Sullivan – New York City Transit Authority
· Sergeant – Peter C Woods – NYPD, Hartsdale Fire Commissioner & Co-Chair Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial
Friday, September 10
2pm
The Rising Memorial
Kensico Dam Plaza
Valhalla, NY 10595
The unveiling on Friday, September 10 will be a private event for family and friends of those lost before the public unveiling on Saturday, September 11 at the County’s memorial at 3:30pm.
Latimer said: “This memorial is the culmination of a promise this County government made to the families and loved ones of these true Westchester heroes. We will not ever take for granted the actions of these individuals and hope that each person who visits this memorial understands their lasting impact.”
The new memorial, which overlooks The Rising memorial at the Kensico Dam Plaza, is made up of granite stones set on a stone veneer wall. Each stone is etched with the names of the Westchester first responders lost to 9/11 related illnesses. The Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial is designed to complement the stonework of the Dam and surround The Rising as an eternal watch.
The total length of each wall is 20’ and will hold up to 4 4’ long memorial stones each, for a total of 8 memorial stones. A light – which will be known as the Eternal Light – is centered between the two walls and directly across the entrance to the original memorial, The Rising. This light will be on 24/7 to signify the light shone on the County by those this memorial intends to honor.
Construction of this solemn memorial was done by R. Pugni and Sons, Inc. The design of the memorial was completed by a combination of the County’s dedicated Department of Planning. Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation and a committee made up of loved ones of those lost to 9/11 related illnesses. The committee, was co-chaired by New York City Police Officer Matthew J. McCauley and NYPD Sargent Peter Woods who lost his battle to a 9/11 related illness earlier this year.
McCauley said: “On the eve of the 20th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks we are reminded of the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost that day, including those from Westchester County who are memorialized at “The Rising.” Unfortunately, the toll of those lost continues to increase due to 9/11 related illnesses that have claimed so many of our 9/11 First Responders. Again, Westchester County has seen far too many lost to 9/11 illnesses. As the Co-Chair of a Committee made up widows, children, other family members, friends and first responders themselves, we applaud Westchester County Executive George Latimer and his team for supporting our vision and desire to have a memorial for those 9/11 First Responders that worked or resided in county, who have died of illnesses they developed as a result of their heroic actions in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks. This permanent memorial alongside “The Rising” will ensure that the sacrifice of all lost that day and thereafter is never forgotten.”
The committee, who the County owes a debt of gratitude to for their dedicated work, is made up of:
· Peter Woods, Co-Chair
· Matthew McCauley, Co-Chair
· Georgia Asciutto
· Valerie Sullivan
· Anne Byrnes
· Margaret O’Hanlon
· Chelsea Wilson
· Patricia Mallinson
· Ellen Peifer
· Sabrina Douglass
· Chief Andrew Sandor, New Rochelle Fire Department
· Firefighter Robert Barbella, White Plains Fire Department
· Carol Ann Gleason
· Andrew Mentrasti
· Sara Trujillo
· Kevin McGuire
· Firefighter Sandra Bessels, Harrison Fire Department
· Firefighter Robert Curtin, Mount Vernon Fire Department
This committee, through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, met regularly to plan this new memorial. The work done by them, to honor their loved ones, will be forever cherished by the people of Westchester County.
Following this private unveiling for families, Latimer and first responders from the region, will fully unveil the memorial to the public during the County’s 9/11 ceremony the following day at 3:30p.m.
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Governor Kathy Hochul today cautioned New Yorkers of potential weather impacts as thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain are expected in New York City, Hudson Valley and Capital Region areas of the state later this afternoon and continuing through this evening.
The main threats from these storms are damaging wind gusts and additional rain in areas that recently experienced flooding, especially urban, low-lying, and poor drainage areas. Brief, isolated tornadoes may also occur as the weather system moves west to east across the state.
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Dedicated Instagram Channel, @Vaccinateny, to Provide Vaccine Education for School-Aged New Yorkers and Families
#VaxtoSchool Pop-Up Sites to Open in Areas with Low COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Among 12 to 17-Year-Olds and #VaxtoSchool Buses to Provide Mobile Vaccinations
SUNY and CUNY Announce the Integration of the State’s Excelsior Pass for Back-To-Campus, Proof of Vaccine Efforts
WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS . From the Governor’s Press Office. September 8, 2021:
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the multi-faceted statewide #VaxtoSchool campaign to support increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates among school-aged New Yorkers, furthering the administration’s commitment to making the health and well-being of students, teachers and families a top priority.
As part of this campaign, the Governor announced a new, dedicated website at ny.gov/vaxtoschool with critical resources and materials for parents and guardians of school-aged New Yorkers and school communities. The new site includes information, and an FAQ for parents and guardians, as well as a multitude of ready-made signage for school leaders to support #VaxtoSchool education and operations in their local communities on the ground.
Additionally, the State has launched a new Instagram channel, @VaccinateNY, to educate school-aged New Yorkers and their families about the COVID-19 vaccine directly.
The new social media page will provide approachable, interactive content through easy-to-understand vaccine information, prospective content partnerships, #VaxtoSchool social media design contests, and quick video explainers, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in our effort to provide all New Yorkers with the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. DOH will also amplify these digital education efforts across all of their channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
“We’ve dedicated enormous state resources to getting New Yorkers of all eligible age groups vaccinated, but initially the state focused on the most vulnerable citizens, and now we need to focus on our youth,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s young people are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 but they can still spread the virus, and we need them to take it seriously. The new, innovative #VaxtoSchool social media campaign will help us get the word out to New York’s young people about the vital importance of getting vaccinated to keep friends, families and communities safe.”
As part of this effort, the Governor also announced that new #VaxtoSchool pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites will be open in areas where zip code data shows the vaccination rate for 12 to 17-year-olds is lower than the statewide average. A community-based medical professional will be available at each site to answer any questions parents and guardians of school-aged New Yorkers may have. Alongside the new sites, #VaxtoSchool buses—mobile vaccination efforts—are being launched in convenient, school-centric areas statewide, such as public recreational spaces like basketball courts and parks. This will help to make the vaccine available and accessible to school-aged New Yorkers and their families.
New pop-up vaccination sites for 12 to 17-year-olds will be located at the below addresses. More locations will be announced.
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center
3450 Dekalb Avenue
Bronx, NY 10467
Open: Friday, September 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (1st Shot POD)
Friday, October 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (2nd Shot POD)
Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens
21-12 30th Road
Astoria, NY 11102
Open: Saturday, September 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (1st Shot POD)
Monday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (2nd Shot POD)
The State is also working with New York colleges and universities to support their back-to-campus efforts, including the integration of the State’s Excelsior Pass at SUNY and CUNY campuses statewide so they have a secure, verifiable means of accepting and tracking proof of vaccination and/or negative test results, as applicable, for students, teachers and campus staff. Interested New Yorkers can retrieve their Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Pass Plus today by visiting epass.ny.gov.
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “As a father, pediatrician, and the State’s Health Commissioner, I am proud to have worked on this multi-layered #VaxtoSchool campaign with Governor Hochul, providing school-aged New Yorkers, their families, and school communities with access to the vaccine and fact-based information about it. Through reaching New York families in new, creative, and engaging ways, we can help get the vaccine to more eligible adolescents, while keeping our schools open and healthy. The vaccine is safe and effective, and I urge New Yorkers 12 years of age and older to get vaccinated as they head #VaxtoSchool, so they can get back to the classroom experience they deserve while best protecting their health and the health of those around them.”
Children ages 12 to 17 are able to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is available under Emergency Use Authorization for children ages 12 to 15 and is fully approved for those age 16 and older. The other COVID-19 vaccines are not yet authorized or approved for this age group. If you are a parent or guardian of a school-aged New Yorker, you can also visit vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a vaccine location closest to you. Make sure that the provider offers the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
Parents are encouraged to make sure their child is up to date on all recommended and required vaccinations. Please visit the Department of Health website for more information on recommended childhood and adolescent immunizations.
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Department of Communications. September 8, 2021:
Upholding Westchester County’s Commitment to suicide prevention, awareness and the importance of overall mental health, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) and several community partners recognized the month of September as Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month.
The month-long messaging campaign was created to help educate Westchester County residents on the appropriate ways to discuss mental health crisis in identified communities, and remind them of the resources available to them.
Volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and DCMH placed pinwheels on display at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. The display of 78 pinwheels represent the number of completed suicides (78) in Westchester County in 2020. The display includes statistic signs and walk signs, and the pinwheels will remain on display throughout the month of September as part of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said:
“Throughout the month of September, the County will be encouraging residents to participate in a variety of workshops, training courses and task force initiatives to help our communities engage in suicide prevention efforts, and help them to practice good mental health. It is not always easy to speak up if you think a family member or friend is struggling or dealing with a mental health crisis, and we want to give you the tools to start that discussion. Helping those around us is everyone’s business, and we want everyone to know about the support and services that are available to them in Westchester.”
Commissioner of DCMH Michael Orth said:
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to support each other’s mental health. We can all help prevent tragedies in our own communities by learning to recognize and take seriously the signs of depression and emotional pain. It is important that we reach out to family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues and open the door for conversation.”
Hudson Valley/Westchester Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Maria Idoni said: “September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is a time for each of us to reach out to those around us and take steps to prevent suicide. It’s important that we know how to talk about suicide, and connect ourselves and our loved ones to help if we ever need it. Together, we can help #StopSuicide.”
Westchester County’s Suicide Prevention and Awareness Plan includes:
Westchester County Suicide Awareness Pinwheels Display and Reflection
For the first time in Westchester County, in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the County will display one pinwheel to represent every suicide in Westchester from the year prior. The pinwheels will be displayed at Glen Island Park New Rochelle throughout the month of September, for visitors to pause and remember those we lost to suicide.
DCMH Social Media Awareness Campaign:
Daily social media awareness information and activities related to Suicide Prevention and Awareness.
Soul Shop Faith Based Training:
On September 29, DCMH in partnership with AFSP and Calvary Church, will be offering “Soul Shop: Ministering to Faith Communities Affected by Suicide.” It’s estimated that one out of every two people in a given congregation has personally been affected by suicide. Soul Shop trains faith community leaders to offer support, hope and connection to those in their congregations. Soul Shop equips participants with the resources and guidance they need to foster hope and healing in their community.
Mental Health First Aid Training:
DCMH will provide Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to Westchester County’s communities. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Adult Mental Health First Aid Training offers training to address the needs of adults. Westchester will also be launching Teen Mental Health First Aid Training targeting adolescents and young adults in the near future.
For additional information please contact:
Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH)
For more information and a complete list of resources and services, please visit us at:
https://mentalhealth.westchestergov.com/
Or call us at 914-995-5220
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FEMA Information
Westchester County is actively working with FEMA to set up Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) where people can file claims for assistance in communities that are heavily damaged. At this this time, FEMA is onsite at the Mamaroneck Village Courthouse.
Please note, there is no mobile DRC at the Westchester County Center today.
It is not necessary to meet with FEMA in person to start a claim. If you have suffered significant property damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, you can apply online for FEMA assistance here: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
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IT WAS THE LAST OFFICIAL DAY OF SUMMER MONDAY, THE END OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. PLAYLAND OFFICIALLY CLOSED AND HAD TWO GOOD WEATHER DAYS WHICH SHOULD PERHAPS PUSH ATTENDANCE FOR THE PARK UP CLOSE TO 300,000. THIS WILL PUT PRESSURE ON THE COUNTY TO CONSIDER LIBERALIZING THE CURRENT COUNTY VISION FOR THE PARK.
IF YOU CALL STANDARD AMUSEMENTS WANTED TO ADD MORE RIDES AND EXPAND OPERATIONS OF THE PARK ALL YEAR ROUND WITH THE ADDITION OF A CATERING FACILITY AND MORE RESTAURANTS ON THE BOARDWALK. WELL THAT WAS OPPOSED BY COUJTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER LEADING TO THE BANKRUPTCY JUDGE TO TELL THE COUNTY AND STANDARD AMUSEMENTS TO RENEGOTIATE.
WELL THE SAME SITUATION NOW REMAINS IN EFFECT; WILL STANDARD IN LIGHT OF THE 300,000 ATTENDANCE AT PLAYLAND—RENEW ITS VISION TO EXPAND PLAYLAND TO BRING IN THEIR ELIXIR OF YEAR ROUND OPERATION WITH MORE RESTAURANTS. THIS IS COMPLICATED BY THE USE OF THE BOARDWALK BY THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM WHICH HAS TURNED INTO A FEEL GOOD WHITE ELEPHANT WITH NO APPRECIABLE GROWTH SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN THE LAST YEAR OF THE ASTORINO ADMINISTRATION.
STANDARD STILL MAY CONSIDER WALKING AWAY FROM THE DEAL. OR PROPOSE MORE BOARDWALK ATTRACTIONS.
CURRENTLY THE COUNTY IS REDOING THE PLAYLAND POOL. THEY THE COUNTY MIGHT CONSIDER ROOFING THE POOL FACILITY SO IT COULD BE USED YEAR ROUND AND ON RAINY DAYS.
THE BATHHOUSE JUST DOWN FROM THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM WHICH HAS YET TO “MUSEUM” ANYTHING AND WE HAVE BEEN WAITING 5 YEARS FOR THAT TO REALIZE ITS ORIGINAL MISSION.
STANDARD MAY LOOK AT TRYING TO DEVELOP THE AREA AROUND THE EDITH REID SANCTUARY INTO A SWANK ART DECO CATERING FACILITY TO INFUSE REVENUE ALL YEAR ROUND. OR STANDARD MAY DECIDE THERE IS NO POTENTIAL HERE. STANDARD IS SUPPOSED TO TAKE OVER MANAGEMENT OF THE PARK NEXT YEAR
I DROVE THROUGH LARCHMONT AND MAMARONECK YESTERDAY AND SAW PLENTY OF WATER RUINED DEBRIS AWAITING PICK-UP AND WONDER EXACTLY WHAT THE COUNTY CAN DO TO FIX THE MAMARONECK AND SHELDRAKE RIVER PROBLEM. WE AWAIT A STUDY ABOUT WHAT CAN BE DONE.
MEANWHILE WE CAN PERHAPS BRACE FOR MORE RAIN PROBLEMS FROM HURRICANE LARRY PERHAPS BEARING IN ON EASTERN LONG ISLAND IF IT DOES NOT TAKE A MORE WESTERLY DIRECTION.
THIS FLOOD FIX MAY OFF ANOTHER 10 YEARS IN THE FUTURE—AND HOW GOOD IS THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS AT FIXING FLOOD PLAINS JUST AS LOUISIANA. THIS PROBLEM EXISTED 11 YEARS AGO WHEN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WAS RUNNING THE COUNTY AND THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT IT THEN. A WORK IN PROCESS DESPITE THE FEEL GOOD PRESS CONFERENCES OVER THE LAST WEEKEND.
MEANWHILE, THE COUNTY WAS OUT TO PLAY OVER THE WEEKEND, AND THE COVID NEW CASES CONTINUE TO COME FROM THOSE INFECTED TWO WEEKS AGO CONTINUED TO STAY STEADY AVERAGING 175 NEW CASES A DAY FROM LAST MONDAY TO SUNDAY.
THERE WERE 1,231 NEW CASES OF COVID IN WESTCHESTER IN 6 DAYS WHICH CERTAINLY DO NOT COMPARE TO THE NUMBERS OF LAST JANUARY,BUT THE NEW CASES ARE COMING FROM THOSE INFECTED WITH COVID TWO WEEKS AGO AT A RATE OF 1 NEW CASE INFECTING 1 OTHER PERSON. THAT KEEPS COVID A VERY REAL THREAT. I SAW LITTLE MASKING WHEN I WAS WALKING IN MANOR PARK MONDAY AFTERNOON AND PEOPLE HAVE TO TAKE IT MORE SERIOUSLY.
WHAT CONCERNS ME IS THE NUMBERS OF PERSONS BEING TESTED IS EERILY PARALLEL TO THE NUMBERS TESTED LAST FALL WHEN WE STARTED TO DEVELOP THE SECOND WAVE OF COVID.
ON OCTOBER 31, 2020, 11 MONTHS AGO, 7,400 WERE TESTED AND 149 TESTED POSITIVE , 2% SPREAD RATE OF ONE PERSON INFECTING 2 OTHER PERSONS. ONE MONTH LATER THAT WENT UP 7,706 TESTED AND 178 POSTIVE , 2.3% . BY DECEMBER WE TESTED 12,800 AND 570 TESTED POSITIVE. ON JANUARY 1 2021 1,000 PERSONS TESTED POSITIVE UP GOING UP 10 TIMES IN 3 MONTHS,
THE BIG DIFERENCE BETWEEN THEN AND NOW, THERE WAS NO VACCINE AND PEOPLE ARE NOT GETTING THEIR VACCINATIONS. NOW LOOKING AT SUNDAY’S LATEST FIGURES, 148 OF 4,660 PERSONS TESTED POSITIVE.. TWO WEEKS FROM NOW THE 1,231 NEW POSITIVES WILL TRANSLATE IN AS MUCH AS 1,200 MORE CASES. IF WE CONTINUE TO NOT MASK, SOCIALIZE IN LARGE GROUPS THIS IS NOT GOING TO GO DOWN. VACCINATIONS ARE DOWN.
THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY COMMUNITIES THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2 BEFORE LABOR DAY:
YONKERS HAD 621 NEW CASES, MOUNT VERNON 237, NEW ROCHELLE, 225, AND WHITE PLAINS 122, GREENBURGH, 117, HARRISON 86
THE RYES 74 PORT CHESTER 54, UP NORTH COUNTY YORKTON HAD 123, MOUNT PLEASANT 100, CORTLANDT 66, SOMERS 61, LEWISBORO 48. , THAT’S 1,934 NEW CASES—WHOSE IMPACT ON WHOM THEY CONTACTED BEFORE BEING TESTED POSITIVE…HAS YET TO BE FELT IN POSSIBLE NEW CASES
NOW SPEAKING OF SOCIALIZING—THE WHITE PLAINS FARMERS MARKET OPENS WEDNESDAY WITH A JAZZ CONCERT TOMORROW FREE.
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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Governor’s Press Office. September 5, 2021 3:30 PM EDT:
Following her visits to communities impacted by flooding from Hurricane Ida, Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a request to President Biden for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration. With Presidential approval, the declaration would deliver individual and public assistance for eligible New Yorkers recovering from the storm’s damage.
Photos from the Governor’s Visits to Impacted Communities in East Elmhurst are Available Here and Here, in Inwood Here, in Mamaroneck Here, in Yonkers Here, and on Staten Island Here
Through the declaration request, the Governor is requesting that New Yorkers who have been displaced or suffered damage as a result of the storm, including those who did not have flood insurance, can receive the assistance they need. The Governor also announced the launch of the new online resource hub for impacted New Yorkers, available at ny.gov/ida. The hub provides information on available assistance programs and where to find services such as shelter and access to food. The information on the site will be updated as more resources for New Yorkers become available. Additionally, the State is partnering with New York City to support the Ida Recovery Service Centers. These centers enlisted the support of elected officials who represent impacted communities and will offer information on all available resources and assistance.
Governor Hochul also directed that $378 million in previously-awarded hazard mitigation funding from FEMA be devoted to bolstering New York State’s infrastructure against extreme weather.
“New Yorkers are still recovering from the damage across our downstate communities, and this request I signed and submitted to President Biden can secure the financial resources that are due to New Yorkers who suffered unimaginable devastation as a result of the storm,” Governor Hochul said. “I have seen the heartbreak and pain of these families firsthand, and I pledge not to forget them and to ensure they get the resources they need to recover. Our recovery and support services teams remain on the ground, doubling down on our restoration efforts until New Yorkers are able to stand on their feet again.”
A Major Disaster Declaration would result in financial assistance from the federal government allowing local communities and individual New Yorkers to continue their recovery. Assistance includes funding for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, as well as direct support for individuals and homeowners. New Yorkers may also be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental, and child care. Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document their losses.
If approved, eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and legal services.
Even as New York’s first responders and emergency management teams remained on the ground assisting local partners with storm response operations, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services deployed specialists to assess damage in order to apply for federal disaster aid. The state remained in constant contact with FEMA and local partners throughout this process to push for an expedited review on the federal side once the preliminary damage assessments were finalized.
As a result of these efforts, in just the first initial days of assessments, state and federal experts have estimated that this storm caused more than $50 million in damage to public infrastructure and property.
Funding to support the restoration of public infrastructure is being sought through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program which provides reimbursement for local governments after a disaster has been declared by the President for activities such as debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair and rebuilding of publicly-owned infrastructure that was damaged including roads, schools, bridges, parks, hospitals, police stations, fire houses, water and waste water treatment facilities and other public facilities.
Additionally, the Governor is requesting federal funding through FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program for 14 Counties. This program provides direct support to individuals and households. Throughout the initial damage assessment process, state, local and federal specialists determined in excess of 1,200 residences suffered damage.
The Governor is encouraging local officials in the impacted counties continue working with their County Emergency Managers to submit any resource needs directly into NY Responds, the state’s web-based system that enables both local governments and state agencies to submit and share vital emergency-related information and resource requests.
At Governor Hochul’s direction, state agencies’ emergency response assets are still on the ground as necessary helping local partners with cleanup and restoration efforts. State and local first responders continue to be fully engaged in supporting local governments in storm response and cleanup operations.
Ongoing Agency Response Activities
Department of Financial Services
The Department of Financial Services Mobile Command Center will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at selected locations in the State of Emergency counties affected by Tropical Depression Ida until the need for its assistance subsides. The mobile units will provide New Yorkers with insurance information regarding policy coverage for losses and suggestions on how to document their losses and safeguard their property. Appointments are not necessary and if a person is unable to come in person they can also get assistance by calling the Department’s Disaster Hotline at 800-339-1759, daily, 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. and by accessing the Department’s website at https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/help_for_homeowners/disaster_flood.
DFS is currently exploring to identify opportunities to expand the presence of its teams and resources in impacted locations.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
DHSES continues to coordinate with our partner agencies at the local, state and federal level in response efforts. The State Emergency Operations Center is active and remains engaged with state agencies involved in clean-up missions. DHSES teams are on the ground supporting these efforts and will continue to provide additional resources to local governments and county emergency managers throughout the process.
Department of Environmental Conservation
Using drones and other technology, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management experts, Spill Responders, and additional personnel continue to assess storm impacts in Ida’s wake, including potential damage to wastewater infrastructure, petroleum spills, and the integrity of dams and levees.
DEC reminds New Yorkers that if floodwaters are impacted by petroleum, chemicals, or other hazardous materials, please call DEC’s Spill hotline (1-800-457-7362) https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/87175.html.
Department of Public Service
New York’s utilities have approximately 6,000 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across the State. DPS staff continues to track the utilities’ work throughout the storm restoration and will ensure utilities shift the appropriate staffing to the regions impacted the most. Storm restoration focus is concentrated on the downstate regions that were most severely impacted by the storm.
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation has over 3,150 workers helping to safely reopen impacted roadways and ensure roads remain safe for all users.
New York State Police
The New York State Police has instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and closely monitor conditions for any problems. Additional personnel will be deployed to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles and all specialty vehicles, including Utility Terrain Vehicles, are in-service.
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