FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 10, 2009
GOVERNOR DECLARES STATE DISASTER EMERGENCY FOR WESTERN NY FLOODING
Declaration Will Expedite Assistance to Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie Counties
Governor David A. Paterson today declared a State Disaster Emergency to expedite assistance to Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties and contiguous areas that suffered loss of life and sustained extensive damage from severe thunderstorms and ensuing flooding which continues to threaten public health and safety.
"These storms struck with a vengeance, causing an unfortunate loss of life and much personal hardship in the declared areas of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie counties," said Governor Paterson. "I have ordered State agencies to provide all assistance possible to protect our friends and neighbors in the affected counties."
The storms, which began yesterday afternoon and continued overnight, forced the evacuation of a hospital in Gowanda, the disruption of local water supply, widespread power outages and damage to scores of homes and businesses in addition to creating havoc in the network of State, county and local roads.
"While utility crews have been mobilized to restore power, the outages may last multiple days. The order I have signed today will expedite out-of-state utility crews' entry in the State to help turn the power on that much quicker," said Governor Paterson.
The Governor has implemented the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, which authorized the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) to coordinate the appropriate State agencies in assisting local governments in taking appropriate action to protect property and to assist those affected local governments and individuals in responding to and recovering from these storms. The Governor activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Albany, where representatives of 10 agencies are responding to and coordinating mission assignments in the declared counties, and will continue on 12-hour shift operations until no longer warranted.
Assemblyman William L. Parment said: "I am pleased that the Governor has reacted so quickly to the damage suffered in the Southern Tier and hope the designation will help communities respond to the recent storm."
Assemblyman Joseph Giglio said: "On behalf of the residents of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties, I offer my appreciation to the Governor for his prompt action. We look forward to working with the Governor and State agencies to assist our residents at this very difficult time."
The Governor's declaration also provides relief from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which is necessary in order to hasten the movement of utility power restoration crews from other states into New York State.
Throughout the storms and in the aftermath, State agency personnel from the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, State Police, SEMO and Department of Transportation among others continue to work to help local communities.
Governor Paterson has also requested technical assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct preliminary damage assessments for the severe storms which began July 29 and continue today. The Governor is specifically is asking for assessments of the impact on individuals and communities in the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Columbia, Delaware, Erie, Genesee, Rensselaer and Sullivan.
The Governor also designated John R. Gibb, Director of SEMO, as the State Coordinating Officer for this incident. In that role, Director Gibb will coordinate State agency response activities as well as work with FEMA to coordinate the damage assessments which will occur in the very near future.