FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 11, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES ENACTED BUDGET INCLUDES $15 MILLION FOR FLOOD RELIEF
Governor David A. Paterson and Legislative leaders announced today that the Enacted Budget includes $15 million for the Greater Catskills Flood Remediation Program. Under the program, eligible counties in the Southern Tier and Catskill regions will apply to purchase one or two-family homes that have been damaged by floods since April 1, 2004, and are determined to be at future risk. The initiative will allow homeowners to relocate from areas vulnerable to flooding. In order to qualify for the program, the home must be the primary residence of the owner with a family income up to 150% of the Area Median Income, as defined by HUD. Homes purchased would be condemned and property will be dedicated for open space, recreational, wetlands, or flood mitigation purposes.
“Over the last four years, nine flood events occurred in New York State that resulted in major federal disaster declarations,” said Governor Paterson. “It's critical that we help people out of these flood zones so that they can begin rebuilding their lives. The government can then work to revive these areas and protect neighborhoods from future flood damage.”
This initiative will have many positive benefits for New York State. Most importantly, the program will help to remove people and possessions from harms way in areas that have been hit particularly hard by flooding in recent years. It will also allow for the restoration of flood plains that have been cut off from streams and rivers. Restoring flood plains has the effect of limiting downstream flooding. Finally, the Flood Remediation program will rebuild prime habitat areas such as wetlands and riparian buffers for aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Among other benefits, wetlands play an important role in flood control, acting like sponges for surface water during heavy rains.
Senator Thomas Libous said: “Many of our friends and neighbors were devastated by the floods of 2006 and we’re still rebuilding even today. Many families lost everything and remain in heavily damaged homes that are still at risk for future flooding. This funding will allow them to move to a safer location and avoid future losses because of dangerous flooding. We can then use these properties to lessen the impact of future flood damage on our community.”
Senator John J. Bonacic said: “Flooding has had a devastating impact on many residents in my Senate district, as well as Upstate and I have advocated for this funding, as well as flood mitigation legislation for several years now. I am sickened when I see the same homes damaged each year, the same families impacted, the Red Cross trucks in the same driveways and neighborhoods. These working families cannot sell their homes because of chronic flooding. Many are desperate for an opportunity to leave but simply cannot afford to do so. I am pleased to work with Governor Paterson to secure funding so that these homes can be purchased on a willing seller/buyer basis, and then work to install wetlands, diversion ditches, berms, and other mechanisms to keep the water in the streams and out of neighborhoods.”
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said: “This program reflects many of the priorities that came out of the flood summit that was recently held in Binghamton. This funding will help restore flood damaged areas in the Southern Tier and help protect communities from future flooding as well.”
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said: “As an organizer of the bi-partisan caucus of state legislators focused on flooding, I have been working closely with the Executive branch to bring together all the key stakeholders on the local, state and non-governmental levels to develop best practices in the areas of flood prevention, mitigation, response and recovery. The funding announced today is a reflection of the state’s commitment and responsibility to assist communities in implementing these strategies.”
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said: “This is a great way to move forward and make good use out of this damaged area. Adding more recreational and open spaces to our communities will refresh and revitalize our struggling neighborhoods. We continue to research preventative measures to guard against future flooding and protect our homes, neighborhoods and businesses from these disasters.”
Assemblyman Clifford Crouch said: “This funding is so essential for the towns and counties in my district. Purchasing properties that are routinely flooded is essential to assisting the homeowners to move on with their lives. Towns have been trying to be proactive in using FEMA funds for buyouts. This funding from the state will allow for continuation and expansion of their buyout plans. I thank Governor Paterson for his support throughout the budget process.”
Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Michael Balboni said: “This is welcome news for local government and the citizens of the state who have been impacted by repetitive flooding over the past few years. This funding, in addition to the $650,000 for flood mitigation measures announced at the downstate summit in February, will go a long way toward addressing flooding issues and exploring better solutions to recurring problems in those areas.”
Deborah VanAmerongen, Commissioner of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), said: “Too many families in flood-prone areas of the state are living in severely damaged and unsafe housing. This budget initiative will provide much-needed relief.”
John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), said: “Since 2004, SEMO has administered projects totaling nearly $27 million to acquire 284 flood-damaged or flood-threatened properties. However, more needs to be done. I commend Governor Paterson and legislative leaders for doing what is necessary to help New York's flood ravaged communities recover and to help people rebuild their lives.”
Pete Grannis, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), said: “This is a bold plan for dealing with a long-running issue. Moving homes out of the flood plain not only protects New York residents but also helps restore vegetation and wetlands that can greatly reduce the impacts of flooding.”
Funding will be administered through the Division of Housing and Community Renewal to the following counties: Broome Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Montgomery, Orange, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga, and Ulster.
For more information, please visit www.semo.state.ny.us and www.nyalert.gov.