Recently, I wrote to the governor about serious concerns Mohawk Valley flood victims are facing. I wanted to share with you what I wrote: Dear Gov. Cuomo: It is utterly heartbreaking to see what my constituents in the Oneida County flood zone have gone through this summer, and things still remain uncertain for them. Over the last five weeks since the flooding, I’ve become angry at how the situation is being handled by the agencies meant to help them. I know angry is a strong word, but it is truly what my constituents and I are feeling right now. This natural disaster is being compounded by inaction and is set to create a larger disaster. I ask that you, being the head of these agencies, step in to help resolve the problems. While I was pleased to help announce $3 million to be put toward rebuilding and recovery for Oneida County residents, small businesses and family farmers, I am disheartened by the lack of a plan to get recovery started. I am concerned for my constituents, whose lives have been uprooted entirely. I have personally visited the homes, schools and businesses ravaged by mold infestation and structural and equipment damage. Many homes are left without furnaces, which, if you know anything about this area, will be needed very soon, as the cold comes early. My constituents are frustrated by the grand, sweeping announcements you made regarding the recovery, and what some see as photo-op visits, only to leave with no plan as to when and how our Mohawk Valley communities will recover. As soon as the flood recovery aid form was available, my constituents applied. They have had visits from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR) inspectors who assessed the damage. Not one of them has been given any idea as to if or when they will receive funding. I receive at least 30 calls per week from constituents who are getting the run around from NYSHCR. They all are being told to “be patient.” That’s easier said than done when families are living in motel rooms, having to put critical repairs on credit cards and being uprooted by this flooding disaster. I have personally spoken to the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the NYSHCR, and not one is able or willing to give any answers. Gov. Cuomo, as the boss of these agencies, my constituents need you to step up to the plate and end this madness. Mohawk Valley residents shouldn’t be left in the dark on this matter. The way this situation is being handled speaks volumes, even to those not affected by the flooding. The inaction has shown that New York is unprepared to handle natural disasters such as this. People are asking themselves what will happen if their families are faced with such a disaster. Will there be inaction like there was after Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene and this recent Mohawk Valley flooding? This disaster is being compounded by vague promises, unclear timelines and uncertainty that are distressing to Oneida County families, small businesses and farmers. What do we have to do to get this recovery aid rolling, Gov. Cuomo? Do we need to pass legislation to provide emergency funding? Do we need to hire more temporary staff to get the job done? Let’s figure this out. I am eager to get the ball rolling. My constituents cannot wait any longer. Sincerely,
Ken Blankenbush
Member of Assembly
District 117