Carmel, NY – Following severe flooding from this week’s storms, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne has directed that efforts shift to focus on recovery. The County Executive’s office, the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services (BES), the Putnam County Department of Public Works (DPW), and many other county employees have been working around the clock to assist in recovery efforts, as well as assess damage to infrastructure. In cooperation with the New York State’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the County is collaborating with towns and villages on a preliminary damage assessment to facilitate the formal disaster declaration and relief process from the federal government.

To assist in this effort, the County has retained a consultant, Meridian Strategic Services, that specializes in emergency management and recovery. Meridian is working directly with BES through the disaster relief process to assist in maximizing potential reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damages caused by storms and flooding. Earlier today, County Executive Byrne and the BES Commission Lipon also arranged for representatives from Meridian to give a presentation and overview to interested supervisors & mayors from Putnam County’s local towns and villages.

“Keeping residents safe and getting our infrastructure back up and running is our main priority, and we’re accomplishing many of those immediate goals.. Now we need to refocus on recouping our loses,” said County Executive Byrne. “FEMA can only offer aid to our community if we meet certain criteria. We know that Putnam County has exceeded the damage threshold, but now we need to ensure the Governor’s team has what it needs for Governor Hochul to make a formal request for a disaster declaration from President Biden, and then for the President to officially issue a disaster declaration that includes Putnam County. Governor Hochul’s team at the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services has been helpful to our county and has our sincere thanks.”

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has communicated that FEMA representatives could be visiting Putnam County for a preliminary damage assessment as soon as next week. If the President ultimately approves a disaster declaration, local governments can become eligible for reimbursement through their Public Assistance program. With that declaration, FEMA may also make individual assistance available to residents.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m confident in the team we’ve set up,” said BES Commissioner Bob Lipton. “We’re working well together, we continue to respond to residents and local governments needs, and we’ve set up a system to track and report damage for New York State and FEMA.”

“Collaboration in the wake of this storm is key, and I’m happy to report that our partners at all levels of government have been responsive thus far,” added County Executive Byrne. “I’ve spoken with Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Lawler and they’re working to push the President and FEMA to act quickly. Senators Rolison and Harckham, and Assemblymembers Slater and Levenberg have maintained excellent communication with our office and have also been on the ground with us in-person encouraging the Governor’s office to act as soon as possible.”

County Executive Byrne again expressed his gratitude to the dedicated first responders, DPW crews, county employees at the Bureau and volunteers who have been working to address the needs of the most affected areas.

Residents are reminded to call 911 only in emergency and potentially dangerous situations. Additional storm response and recovery resources can be found at www.putnamcountyny.com/pcbes. For inquiries regarding road closures and property damage, it is also appropriate to call 211 to access the United Way’s 211 Helpline. Residents can also visit 511ny.org for more info about state road closures.