Monday, October 29, 2012

Press Release: News from the Office of the Ulster County Executive

STATEMENT OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE MIKE HEIN WITH HURRICANE SANDY UPDATES

Kingston, NY – At 4 PM this afternoon, speaking from the Ulster County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), County Executive Hein provided the following hurricane statement:

Currently, there are multiple areas in which there is serious concern in Ulster County with respect to storm surge combining with high tides and rainwater to produce water levels from the Hudson and Rondout that are between 8 and 9 feet above sea level: Dock Street in Saugerties, the Rondout in Kingston, the Water Treatment Plant in Esopus and the Sewer Treatment Plant in Lloyd.  My administration is continuing to work with officials in each of these areas.  In addition, we have met with City of Kingston Chief of Police Egidio F. Tinti and Alderman at Large James Noble with respect to the Rondout area.  And we have consulted with Esopus Town Supervisor John Coutant about the Connelly area, in addition to the water treatment plant.
The Port Ewen Water District (PEWD) reports that flood waters from the Hudson River have entered the grounds of its municipal water treatment plant, on River Road, in Port Ewen, New York. As a result, the plant has been shut down until further notice. The Port Ewen Water District has a 3-day back-up supply of clean water available, however, in order to ensure continuity of service, including supply to emergency services, PEWD officials are requesting that residents and businesses limit their water use to only the most essential needs.

Shelters are available throughout Ulster County, a list of which can be found on the County’s website.  Residents have begun to arrive at the shelters.  In addition to shelter staff, nurses from the Ulster County Department of Health are stationed at the Bellayre shelter and Red Cross nurses are on site at the Trudy Farber Resnick shelter in Ellenville.

At 4 PM today, County Executive Hein imposed a County-wide travel restriction in Ulster County.  Pursuant to this restriction, only essential personnel should be on the road.

In addition, County Executive Hein has decided to close County office buildings tomorrow.  Only personnel essential to the storm effort must report to work.

County Executive Hein urges residents to check www.ulstercountyny.gov, call 2-1-1 or call the County’s toll free number 855-855-1235for updates.  NYSEG can be reached by calling 800-572-1131 and Central Hudson at 452-2700. For downed wires and other emergencies call 9-1-1.
RELEASE:                                       
October 29, 2012  4:31 PM