Funding for Wawarsing Flood Victims to be Included in State Budget

Provision Similar to Legislation Sponsored by Assemblyman Cahill and Senator Bonacic

March 21, 2011

Albany – Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D – Ulster / Dutchess) announced today that the Assembly, Senate and Governor have a reached a deal to repurpose funding for the Greater Catskill Flood Mitigation Fund to buy property in the Town of Wawarsing that has been impacted by the leaking Delaware Aqueduct. Assemblyman Cahill and Senator Bonacic have introduced legislation (A125-A / S3508) that would accomplish this goal.

“In 2008, we acted to create the Greater Catskill Flood Mitigation Fund dedicated to projects aimed at addressing the massive and unprecedented flooding has that devastated our region in recent years,” said Assemblyman Cahill. “Until now, homeowners that have incurred damages from the DEP’s leaking aqueduct could not take advantage of the program. This budget action will now take that funding and apply it directly to the long suffering people of Wawarsing.”

The passage of this budget provision would authorize the use of surplus funds from the Greater Catskill Flood Remediation Program for property purchases in the Town of Wawarsing. Consistent with the guidelines for the existing program, eligibility would be limited to 150% of the median family income in the area.

“The damage that has accumulated over the last several years is making it increasingly difficult for families to remain in their homes. That is why it is essential that we include the assistance and resources this community needs in this year’s budget to help them recover and minimize the impact of future flooding,” said Assemblyman Cahill. “I have written New York City DEP Commissioner Caswell Holloway on this matter to urge the DEP to dedicate resources to meet the needs of those remaining households.”

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