Putnam Hires Consultant To Maximize FEMA Flood Funding

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Following severe flooding from 10 days of storms, Putnam County is collaborating with towns and villages in cooperation with the New York State’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services on a preliminary damage assessment to facilitate the formal disaster declaration and federal relief process.

SEE: Hochul Requests Federal Disaster Aid For HV Storm Recovery

To assist in this effort, county officials have retained a consultant, Meridian Strategic Services, that specializes in emergency management and recovery. Meridian is working directly with the Bureau of Emergency Services to assist in maximizing potential reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for damages.

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 since the floods of July 9 and 10.

On Friday, County Executive Kevin Byrne directed that efforts shift to focus on recovery. Byrne and the BES Commission Lipon also arranged for representatives from Meridian to give a presentation and overview to interested supervisors and 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," Byrne said in an announcement.

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 this 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.”

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 on the county website.

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.