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ALBANY--- President Bush has approved New York State's request and declared the counties of Oswego, Lewis and Oneida eligible for federal assistance as a result of the extraordinary actions taken by State and local governments to battle the record snows that fell between Feb. 2-12.
"This much-needed federal financial assistance is certainly welcomed news for the beleaguered communities who fought these seemingly never-ending snows that dumped more than 11 feet on the ground," said Gov. Eliot Spitzer.
Under the federal emergency declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide reimbursements to local and State agencies for 75% of the costs of emergency protective measures taken, including snow removal, to save lives and to protect property, public health and safety. This emergency assistance will be provided for any continuous 48-hour period during the incident period.
On Feb. 8, Governor Spitzer declared a State Disaster Emergency for Oswego County and contiguous areas that were battered by lake-effect snows which disrupted vital public transportation, public health and public safety systems there. As part of his executive order, the Governor directed the implementation of the State Disaster Preparedness Plan and ordered State agencies to provide all assistance possible to local governments there.
More than 180 personnel with 70 pieces of equipment from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) worked around-the-clock with county and local highway departments to clear roads and battle the record amount of snow. The Governor also activated the National Guard on February 13, and more than 100 Guardsmen from the 204th Engineer Battalion with 40 pieces of equipment joined in the massive snow removal effort.
In addition to NYSDOT and the National Guard, crews from the Department of Correctional Services assisted in shoveling out hundreds of fire hydrants, sidewalks at intersections, and roofs of governmental and emergency response buildings. State Police worked closely with law enforcement in rescues of stranded motorists and on traffic control. Representatives from the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), State Police, DOT, National Guard and Department of Health assisted local officials at the Oswego County Emergency Operations Center.
Spitzer named John R. Gibb, SEMO director, as the state coordinating officer for this event. 2-25-07
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© 2007 North
Country Gazette
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