Thanks Gov. Hochul for granting Fast-Track DEC Approval to Help Rebuild Storm-Ravaged Counties
This home in Canisteo was pushed off its foundation and crushed into a bridge by flood water from Hurricane Debby
From the Office of NYS Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio,
ALBANY – Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R-C, Gowanda) said Gov. Hochul needs to permanently change the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permit process to allow local highway superintendents and public works departments to clear creeks and streams of debris to protect communities from flooding.
In response to flooding caused by Hurricane Debby, Gov. Hochul has authorized the DEC to expedite permit reviews for repair work to bridges and other infrastructure over waterways and to clear creeks and rivers of debris that obstructs water flow.
“This is a great first step, but I urge Gov. Hochul to make these changes permanent so our local DPWs can dredge these creeks and clear them of debris. One of the reasons the flooding was so destructive is that local DPW directors can’t get permits from the state to dredge creeks and streams that are prone to flooding because the state is worried that the dredging will endanger habitat for rare plants and animals. We’ll guess what? Hurricane Debby just bulldozed that habitat into Pennsylvania along with the worms and snails Albany is so worried about,” Assemblyman Giglio said.
On Aug. 9th and 10th, heavy rain caused rivers and creeks across southern Steuben and Allegany counties to swell and crest their banks, washing away homes, businesses and community infrastructure. Farmers lost entire crops and essential equipment. Four to six inches of rain fell in a matter of hours. Fortunately, no deaths or serious injuries were reported.
Assemblyman Giglio joined Congressman Nick Langworthy, (NY-23) state Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Steuben County officials on Aug. 11th to assess the flood damage.
“People’s homes and businesses were washed away. It’s devastating. The highway superintendents told us that if the DEC would let them dredge the creeks, the water would have been able to flow downstream and there would have been less destruction,” Assemblyman Giglio said. “Instead, we have nameless, faceless bureaucrats, people who will never step foot in this part of the state, telling us how to live our lives. Albany needs to realize that the best people to take care of these waterways are the ones living alongside them.”
“In the past, the highway departments would dredge gravel from these creeks and use it on the roads. They would do something useful with it. People should take precedence over whatever bugs or mold are living in these creeks,” Assemblyman Giglio said. “Our number-one job as elected officials is to protect the health and safety of our constituents. The current permitting process out of Albany is failing in that regard.”
The damage caused by the flooding is still being assessed. Many of these communities were still recovering from Tropical Storm Fred which swept through the same communities in August of 2021, causing more than $35 million in damage to homes and businesses.
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services sent disaster recovery experts to help local officials assess damages to allow the state to request federal disaster relief resources from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“I’m going to work with Congressman Langworthy, Senator O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and Gov. Hochul and her administration to secure the assistance Allegany County and Steuben County communities, businesses and residents need to recover,” Assemblyman Giglio said.
The New York State Department of Financial Services disaster hotline can be reached at 1-(800)-339-1759.
Assemblyman Joseph Giglio represents the 148th District, which consists of all of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and portions of Steuben County as well. For more information, visit Assemblyman Giglio’s Official Website.
