Schumer to FEMA: Feds Should Help Kingston Shoulder Costs For Damaged Sewage Treatment Plant

Statement

Following the required submission of amended applications for aid by Kingston and New York State, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today renewed his push to have the federal government provide the maximum possible amount in funding to help the City of Kingston make critical repairs to and increase the resiliency of its sewage treatment plant, which was severely damaged during Hurricane Sandy. Schumer made a phone call to top Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official, Regional Administrator Jerome Hatfield, to urge FEMA to expedite the process needed to make this project a reality. Schumer explained that original estimates put the cost of repairing electrical cables, elevating equipment and making other necessary repairs at approximately $2 million, and FEMA agreed to cover most of that cost. However, a later site visit revealed more damage to the plant and the need for more repairs than initially accounted for, raising the total project price tag. During a January visit, Schumer urged FEMA to re-consider Kingston's application for federal funding in light of the cost increase and revise the amount FEMA will cover. Now that NY State has formally submitted the City of Kingston's application to FEMA for consideration, Schumer renewed his push to get this repair project fully funded and underway as soon as possible.

"Now that the amended application has been submitted, I called FEMA Regional Administrator Hatfield to urge FEMA to approve the full-funding Kingston needs for this severely damaged plant ASAP," said Senator Schumer. "Additional FEMA funding to help cover the cost of this repair overhaul is the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to ensuring this wastewater treatment plant is capable keeping our waterways clean and withstanding future storms. This funding is sorely needed so Kingston taxpayers are not left holding the bag for millions in repair costs. That is exactly why I called Regional Administrator Hatfield -- because we need to keep this project moving forward do it does not get caught up in red tape when the City needs it most."

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