CARMEL- County Executive Kevin Byrne is focused on recovery following the heavy rains that brought floods to many communities in Putnam County and across the region. To assist with the recovery and maximize financial support for impacted communities, Byrne announced the county has solicited the help of a consulting firm.
The county has contracted with Meridian Strategic Services, a company that specializes in emergency management and recovery. Meridian is working directly with county emergency services 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.
“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 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.”
FEMA representatives could be visiting Putnam County for a preliminary damage assessment as soon as next week. If President Biden ultimately approves a disaster declaration, local governments can become eligible for reimbursement and FEMA may also make individual assistance available to residents.
Additional storm response and recovery resources can be found at www.putnamcountyny.com/pcbes.
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