Hurricane Sandy Aid Coming to Suffern

From the Office of State Senator David Carlucci

Senator Carlucci joined Congresswoman Lowey, Assemblywoman Jaffee, Village of Suffern Mayor Trish Abato and community members Jan. 31 to announce that the Village of Suffern has been added as a community to the NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program giving the village access to $3 million dollars in reconstruction aid.

The New York Rising Community Reconstruction (NYRCR) program was established by Governor Cuomo to provide additional rebuilding and revitalization assistance to communities damaged by Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee. This program empowers communities to prepare locally-driven recovery plans to identify innovative reconstruction projects and other needed actions to allow each community not only to survive, but also to thrive in an era when natural risks will become increasingly common.

The NYRCR program is managed by the New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the Department of State. The NYRCR program consists of both planning and implementation phases, to assist communities in making informed recovery decisions.

The first step in the program will be the announcement of a 15 member panel, 2 from the state and 13 community members to start the initial planning phase. The development of a conceptual plan will be a cumulative effort from volunteer planning committee members, members of the public, municipal employees, elected officials, state employees, and planning consultants.

Senator Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) said, “We are here today standing with concerned residents from the Squires Gate Community in Suffern who know all too well how recent disasters can effect a local community. This aid will go a long way to create a flood mitigation plan that is backed with funding for implementation that will finally fortify the Squires Gate neighborhood.”

Congresswoman Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) said,“Since Congress passed the critical Sandy aid bill in January 2013, Rockland County has received more than  $25 million in federal aid that has helped communities get back on their feet,” Congresswoman Nita Lowey continued, “But our work is not done, and that is why I am so pleased that the Village of Suffern will receive $3 million in federal funding from the Sandy aid bill through The New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program.  These funds will help our community not only recover, but take proactive steps to help prevent damage from future storms.”

Assemblywoman Jaffee (D-Suffern) said "I'm hopeful this funding will be a step toward solving the on-going flooding that has disrupted the lives of those in this community for so many years. We must stay focused until we end the uncertainly and fear that comes with every severe storm. I appreciate Washington's responsiveness by providing this funding and I thank the Governor for recognizing the need in the Suffern community."

Suffern Mayor Abato said, “I am very thankful that our elected officials heard the needs of Suffern and worked with to have Suffern added as a community in the New York Rising program. With this additional funding Suffern will now be able to study and implement a flood mitigation plan in the Squires Gate Community and have the money to back it up. I also look forward to studying other areas in Suffern that may benefit from this program."