Carmel, NY – Last week, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne met with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senior Advisor to President Biden and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu for a roundtable discussion about recovery efforts in the Hudson Valley following this month’s severe flooding.

“This storm exposed various infrastructure needs in our county, and I’m extremely grateful to Senator Gillibrand and Mr. Landrieu for coming to our area for this important discussion,” said County Executive Byrne. “I specifically requested Mr. Landrieu’s support in getting White House approval for the federal Major Disaster Declaration and asked for a less ambiguous threshold to qualify our region for individual assistance, in order to better assist our residents still hurting from storm damage earlier this month.”

On July 22, 2023, President Biden approved the Major Disaster Declaration in the Hudson Valley. Eligibility for assistance to individuals is still being evaluated by the state and federal government. Residents are encouraged to document damage and work with their insurance companies. Putnam County’s Bureau of Emergency Services confirmed with New York State they are compiling data from individuals and small businesses state-wide to strengthen the state’s request for individual assistance. Residents are encouraged to visit Putnamcountyny.com/damagereport to be directed to the survey provided by DHSES.

To view Senator Gillibrand’s full press release about the roundtable, click here.