By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-992788.mp3
New Paltz, NY – The rebuilding effort continues in flood-ravaged communities across New York State - Congressman Chris Gibson visited Prattsville and Middletown this morning. The two communities were nearly washed away in the floods of tropical storms Irene and Lee. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Gibson has regularly attended these recovery meetings - he's been to the areas and sites of damage on multiple occasions. Gibson says the sessions involve engaging programs and getting additional government agencies on board. He presided over discussions in Greene and Delaware Counties, where he met with local government officials. Middletown Supervisor Leonard Utter says his town's infrastructure and business climate are doing better, and local waterways are also returning to normal.Utter praised FEMA for helping the town since day one - he says there are about 7 families still without homes after the flooding and there may be others - people who have moved in with relatives out of the area could bring the total of displaced residents up to about 30.
Congressman Gibson says the resolve is to work together at state, federal,county and local levels to achieve complete restoration.