FEMA Provides Grant for Mahwah River Reconstruction

BY CANDACE RIVERA

This week’s Ramapo Town Hall meeting was short and to the point, including reconstruction plans for the embankments of the Mahwah River and ideas to go green.

To the relief of many residents, the Mahwah River area has been tapped by FEMA for reconstruction due to Hurricane Irene. The plan is already underway at certain sections of the river including Suffern and more of Ramapo has now been included as well. It has been determined that repair work must be done immediately in order to prevent further flooding.

The Mahwah River is no stranger to flooding, most notably during Irene. The storm caused the river to flow over its banks, flooding homes and parks throughout the town. Frequent flooding has taken place in the Squires Gate section of Suffern during periods of excessive rainfall, and other areas as well.

In order to prevent future damage FEMA will fully cover reconstruction and engineering costs to the embankment of the Mahwah River. The project has now been approved by the Ramapo Town Board, with construction to be underway shortly.

The board also has plans to make local government more environmentally friendly. Councilman Daniel Friedman introduced a program to the board called “Buy Green, Save Green Rebates for New York State Local Governments.” The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s program refunds 75 percent of small municipal government’s purchases of green items. This includes refrigerators, room air conditioners, printers, scanners, compact fluorescent light bulbs, advanced power strips, and much more. This $1.1 million project provides refunds to government entities at a maximum of $20,000. The Ramapo board plans to apply.

The town board has settled on a date and setting for the public hearing regarding a petition for an annexation to the Village of New Square. It will be a joint public hearing between Ramapo and New Square. It will take place on October 17 at 3 p.m. at the Ramapo Town Hall.

Upcoming family friendly events include a movie screening of the Magnificent Obsession at the Lafayette Theater. This 1954 classic romance is showing on Saturday, September 29 at 11:30 am.

The upcoming India Heritage Night will air on Ramapo LIVE. There will be live performances and Indian food. The admission is free and open to the public. It takes place on October 4 in the Council Room of the Ramapo Town Hall. Ramapo Town Board meetings take place on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. at Ramapo Town Hall. They are open to the public.

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