$1.6M in Hurricane Irene Recovery Funds Flow to N. Rockland

Funds will help repair damage from Hurricane Irene along Minisceongo Creek 

PRESS RELEASE FROM CONGRESSWOMAN NITA LOWEY (D)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that Rockland County has been awarded $1,624,950 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding. The grant will support repairs to the embankment along the Minisceongo Creek, which experienced significant damage as a result of flooding during Hurricane Irene in August and September 2011.

“I am pleased that Rockland County will have access to this badly-needed funding as it continues to address the damage caused by not just Hurricane Irene, but Superstorm Sandy as well,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “This kind of federal aid is critical for local municipalities struggling with the cost of restoring services and infrastructure to their pre-storm levels and preparing for future disasters.”

“Countless residents and businesses were affected by recent hurricanes that ripped through our region leaving a path of destruction,” said Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef. “We are grateful for this funding and those who helped secure it. This will help rebuild Minisceongo Creek and our county.”

“The level of cooperation between state officials and FEMA has been outstanding, and there has been a strong spirit of teamwork as we work together to repair damage from Hurricane Irene,” said Chris Jensen, Program Director, Rockland County Office of Fire & Emergency Services. “It is great to see these funds being made available and these important projects coming to fruition.”

“Hurricane Irene inflicted major damage up and down the length of Minisceongo Creek, affecting homes and businesses in the area and resulting in significant cleanup and repair costs for the town,” said Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips. “Aid from the federal government makes it possible for local municipalities to repair the damage without facing significant financial burdens, and that’s why today’s announcement is such good news. I am grateful that Congresswoman Lowey has been such a steadfast advocate for local communities seeking federal funds as we work to recover from Irene, as well as Superstorm Sandy.”

During Irene, strong winds, heavy rain and flooding caused floodwaters within the Minisceongo Creek to damage the concrete panels and retaining wall that help maintain the embankments along the creek.

  $1.6 million, fema, hurricane irene, minisceongo, North Rockland