By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-988163.mp3
New Paltz, NY – The Federal Emergency Management Agency officials have announced state and federal disaster recovery centers across the northeast will close soon. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas has more.
FEMA, along with the New York State Office of Emergency Management, has been busy across New York since tropical storms Irene and Lee hit, assessing damages and assisting homeowners, businesses and municipalities.
State and federal Disaster Recovery Centers in five New York counties will close soon, according to officials from the FEMA. Facilities in Essex, Nassau, Rensselaer, Suffolk and Ulster counties will end operations at the close of business on Saturday, October 1.
Three Disaster Recovery Centers in Massachusetts are closing as well: the DRC in Great Barrington closed earlier this week while DRC's in Greenfield and Pittsfield will close permanently on Saturday, October 1.
As people rebuild, and families get back on their feet, local food banks have also been there, been providing groceries. Mark Quandt, Executive Director of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, says the need has been greatest in Schoharie, Greene, Delaware and Schenectady counties.
In New York's Southern Tier - the biggest need is housing - FEMA officials say some 5-thousand residents were displaced by floodwaters - there's a housing shortage in Broome County - they're advising people to call 211 or visit a FEMA disaster recovery center. FEMA also has a list of units available on their website at www.fema.gov.
Officials tell WAMC there's still time to register for help if you need it: register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any smartphone at m.fema.gov.