FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Final Numbers in For Irene Recovery in Albany County

Things may change a bit as the last projects are completed but final numbers are in for Hurricane Irene recovery efforts in Albany County. As of June first, public assistance projects totaled $12,265,372 with 788 individual claims totaling over $3.5 million dollars. Hurricane Irene resulted in the largest FEMA Disaster Declaration ever in Albany County history, said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy. What we have accomplished so far in the recovery process is thanks to the efforts of coordination on all government levels. Project costs are 75% reimbursable from FEMA and 25% will be reimbursed by the New York State. Albany County has gotten some reimbursement already along with some municipalities but more money still needs to come in. Theres no denying the intensity and destructive force of last summers floods, said Congressman Paul Tonko. Here in Albany County, total damages were in the tens of millions. But instead of throwing our hands up in despair, all levels of government have doubled down, worked together, and cooperated to ensure the recovery process is streamlined and comprehensive. I will continue to fight in Washington for the necessary resources to get our entire region, including Albany Countys towns and villages, back on our feet. The Albany County Sheriffs Department was on scene from the start and has continued to help coordinate the recovery efforts. Hurricane Irene reminded us how important it is to plan ahead for unexpected disasters, said Sheriff Craig Apple Sr. Planning in advance of a disaster will help our community be less vulnerable and recover faster. Thats one critical lesson we learned.

We are so grateful for the help we have gotten from the community, the county and the federal government, said Berne Town Supervisor Kevin Crosier. We cant and wont stop now. Its situations like this when all levels of government need to work together to get the job done, said Shawn Morse, Chair of the Albany County Legislature. While there is more work yet to be done, Im happy that much of the damage from Hurricane Irene has been repaired in a timely manner. ###
Mary Rozak Director of Communications Office of the Albany County Executive 112 State Street, Room 200 Albany, NY 12207 tel 518.447.7040 ext. 7218 fax 518.447.5589 mary.rozak@albanycounty.com www.albanycounty.com