West Point Damage To Exceed $100 Million

WEST POINT, NY — Damage to West Point from the massive flooding from last night is preliminarily estimated to be $100 million.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Pat Ryan toured the United States Military Academy Monday and announced their two-pronged push to support West Point through the Army and to secure a major disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help Hudson Valley communities from Cornwall to Highland Falls recovery from the disaster.

Schumer said, after seeing the devastation at West Point and around Orange County firsthand, it was clear that the communities desperately need help.

“First, we need a major disaster declaration from FEMA now so Hudson Valley communities like Cornwall and Highland Falls have the resources and help needed to rebuild stronger than ever before,” he said.

“Second, as majority leader I am committed to getting West Point all the federal resources it needs to rise from the waters and stand proud once again,” Schumer said.

According to early preliminary damage assessments from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and West Point officials, damage is already totaling more than $100 million, and with costs still being calculated that number could continue to rise.

On top of the immense infrastructure damage, including completely washed out and collapsed bridges, dams and roads, multiple buildings like the Garrison Command, Herbert Hall, Building 620 and Building 624, where several were evacuated after a tree toppled into the building, have sustained structural damage, erosion and loss of power, with some requiring complete replacement of the lower levels expected to take years to replace.

Additionally, at least 130 privatized family homes at the installation suffered water intrusion and other damages as a result of the severe flooding with inspections still underway with at least 20 of those having severe damage.

Schumer said that, because West Point is a federal military installation, it is not included in potential FEMA aid under the “duplication of benefits” restrictions in Section 312 of the Stafford Act. That means, in order to recover, West Point must uniquely seek alternative relief through the U.S. Army’s Installation Management Command.

Last week, Schumer, Gillibrand and Ryan called on the federal government to increase resources for cleanup and recovery of the U.S. Military Academy.

Ryan said, after touring West Point and other locations in Orange County, it was clear that rapid and robust federal support was needed.

“As a West Point graduate, I was especially shocked to see the significant destruction across campus, including the barracks and athletic facilities,” he said. “We need all-hands-on-deck to restore this crucial American institution.”

On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a major disaster declaration for 12 New York counties, including Orange County, and sent it President Joe Biden for his consideration and signature. If granted, the declaration would release critical federal financial assistance that will support recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Schumer and Gillibrand sent a letter to Biden requesting the approval of the declaration. It can be found here.