Letter to The Honorable Craig Fugate Administrator Federal Emergency Management Agency

Letter

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately begin removing debris from the Saw Mill River that, if not removed, is likely to exacerbate chronic flooding problems. As a result of the recent tropical storms, the Saw Mill River is now full of all types of debris including trees, oil tanks, guardrails and entire pieces of road that contribute to higher water levels and disturb the natural water flow. If left in the river, the debris will likely make Saw Mill flooding even worse in the coming months. Schumer is pressing for quick action as winter approaches, to ensure that the Saw Mill is cleaned before winter makes cleanup impossible, and before the spring snow melt that can lead to devastating flooding when combined with rainstorms. To relieve the burden on local taxpayers, Schumer is asking that the Federal Emergency Management Agency work closely with state and local emergency management officials as they prepare their application for federal reimbursement for debris removal of the river, which is part of the federal government's public assistance program. Westchester County was deemed eligible for public assistance after the area was declared a major disaster as a result of Tropical Storm Irene. Schumer is urging local, state, and federal agencies to quickly issue necessary permits so that this critical work is not bogged down in red tape, needlessly making future flooding even worse.

"It seems that every time it rains, the Saw Mill floods, sending water rushing into basements and causing headaches for local commuters who are stuck on the parkway for hours," said Schumer. "Solving the underlying flooding problem is going to take years and a lot of cooperation, but making sure we're not making things worse by leaving debris in the river is an absolute no brainer. I'm calling on FEMA to approve the reimbursement for this critical work to ensure that flooding from the Saw Mill isn't exacerbated by debris from Tropical Storm Lee. With winter approaching, we need to get a move on so that fall rains and the spring melt aren't made worse than they need to be. This needs to be a priority project, and I'm going to push to make sure it moves quickly."

Government officials throughout Westchester County have told Schumer's office that Tropical Storm Irene sent debris into the Saw Mill River, settling at the bottom causing elevated water levels and disrupting the natural flow of the river. Local officials are extremely concerned that, if left in the river, the debris could exacerbate the chronic flooding problem in the Saw Mill. Schumer is pressing local, state, and federal agencies to work together quickly to formulate a plan for debris removal that can be funded by FEMA's Public Assistance Program.

"The town of Greenburgh, residents and businesses along the Saw Mill River are grateful to Senator Schumer for recognizing the need for the federal government to take some action to help residential and commercial property owners who suffer significant losses every time there is a major storm," said Supervisor Paul Feiner, from the Town of Greenburgh. "Senator Schumer's proposal to use FEMA to help clear up debris along the Saw Mill River is a very good initiative---we don't need studies. We need action. This initiative could be implemented in no time. If FEMA implements this recommendation businesses won't have to close down as often after a major storm and homeowners won't have to be evacuated as frequently by boat from their street because roads won't turn into temporary lakes."

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Transportation, State Emergency Management Office, Westchester County and the various towns and villages along the Saw Mill River must work together to put together an application for FEMA's reimbursement, which Schumer is supporting. Given that the permitting process and agreements will take some time to finalize, Schumer is asking FEMA to quickly approve the reimbursement request when it is submitted, so that the county and towns can execute the debris removal plan without adding a huge burden to local taxpayers.

In the coming days and weeks, Westchester County and elected officials throughout the county will work with the State Emergency Management Office to put together a project worksheet for the debris removal work, which will then be submitted to FEMA for funding. New York Department of Transportation, as the main agency with authority of the land along the river, and The New York Department of Environmental Conservation will have to issue permits for the work. Schumer is urging all of the parties to work together and avoid the disagreements that have bogged down larger flood mitigation efforts in the Hudson Valley over the past several decades. Larger Army Corps studies and mitigation projects have been stalled in the past because the agencies could not agree on cost sharing and permits for the work. Schumer today noted that this small, narrow but critically important project will prevent the flooding from getting worse after the recent tropical storms, and should have strong support at all levels of government.

Schumer also noted that projects like these are exactly the reason Congress must pass a bill to substantially increase funding in the Disaster Relief Fund. Schumer will return to Washington later today to continue pushing for the increase in disaster funding, the federal program that funds debris removal projects throughout New York state, as well as individual assistance grants for homeowners and business owners who sustained serious damage in the storm. Without this disaster aid program, local governments would not be able to afford mitigation projects, like the Saw Mill debris removal, without having to make huge cuts in other programs that are essential for the smooth operation of local governments.

"This is not the end game solution we need for the Saw Mill River, but it's an important emergency step that needs to be taken quickly," said Schumer. "We can either spend a bit of money now to keep flooding from getting worse, or call on the bucket brigade down the road once water has already spilled over the banks. We must continue to work on bigger flood mitigation strategies for the Hudson River watershed, and I'll keep working at the federal level to do just that. However, we can all agree that this debris removal needs to happen quickly, and FEMA should help pick up the tab."

A copy of Senator Schumer's letter appears below:

September 26, 2011

The Honorable Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
US Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate:

Thank you for approving a major disaster declaration for the state of New York following the devastating Tropical Storm Irene. This declaration has triggered the release of vital federal funds that will help individuals and communities recover.

I write today to draw your attention to an important issue pertaining to the Saw Mill River in Upstate New York. The Saw Mill River is a twenty mile tributary of the Hudson River, flowing from Chappaqua to Yonkers, New York, where it empties into the Hudson. Surrounding the river is the New York and Putnam Railroad, which run along the river from Putnam County to central Yonkers. Additionally, the Saw Mill River Parkway parallels the river along its west bank for much of its route through Westchester County.

Like many other natural resources in Westchester, the Saw Mill River was seriously affected by Tropical Storm Irene. Heavy winds and rain have sent oil tanks, trees, and other debris into the river, changing flow patterns and raising water levels. Blocking the flow of water and high water levels will undoubtedly lead to flooding of the surrounding parkway. If left in the river, debris will likely make Saw Mill flooding even worse in the coming months, and particularly before winter makes cleanup impossible.

At this time, I am asking you to take swift and immediate action. I request that your administration and regional staff work hand-in-glove with local and state emergency management officials as they prepare an application for Public Assistance - Category A Debris Removal. Once the state's application is complete, I ask that your staff approve it and immediately begin the process of removing debris from the Saw Mill River. This river is not the legal responsibility of any other federal agency. Furthermore, rising water levels pose a significant threat to public health and safety, and FEMA debris removal assistance would help ensure the parkway and surrounding public spaces can be used to the benefit of the community at large.

Thank you for your consideration of this important request. Please contact Grant Kerr at 202-224-6542 if you have questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

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