A recent storm has caused extensive damage to the Town of Highlands – which includes the United States Military Academy (West Point), as well as the villages of Highland Falls, NY and Fort Montgomery, NY.
West Point, the renowned U.S. military academy, was assessed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Pat Ryan, and Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus surveyed the damage via helicopter. After the tour, Schumer stated that the damage at West Point alone is in excess off $100 million (Army Corps of Engineers review contributed to this figure).
The storm’s impact on West Point is significant, affecting its buildings, infrastructure, and training grounds. Schumer emphasized the importance of restoring the historic campus, a symbol of America’s military history, and pledged to do everything possible to aid in its recovery.
Outside of West Point, Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery villagers continued to struggle to recover from the damages from the July 9th storm.
At least two prominent Highland Falls residents, Kat Dagaev and Charlene Yehl – the latter who is expecting her third child – suffered extensive damage to their homes that rendered them uninhabitable. In Fort Montgomery, the community is mourning Pam Nugent, who along with her dog was swept away by the rushing waters of the 7/9 storm. Rescuers found Nugent’s remains Sunday evening at the bottom of a ravine in the town of Highlands. The dog survived.
Roads into and out of the Town continued to be repaired by various state and local highway departments. On Monday 7/17, it was reported by NY DOT that route 6 is now open in both directions. Over the weekend, the Palisades Parkway to Bear Mountain corridor was reopened to general traffic. However, the Popolopen Bridge remains closed.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to conduct ground assessments in Orange County to determine the extent of the damage and the associated costs. This process will help establish if the state and affected counties meet the federal damage thresholds required for a Major Disaster Declaration.
Governor Hochul has already requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden. This request is in response to the severe flooding caused by recent rainstorms across much of Upstate New York. If approved, the declaration would unlock crucial federal financial aid to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties. Governor Hochul is also seeking federal support for homeowners in Orange County and an expedited damage assessment process.
A Major Disaster Declaration would primarily secure financial assistance from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. This program provides funding to local governments, tribes, and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks, and other facilities.
Residents of the Town of Highlands have been encouraged by State, Town and Village officials to declare the damages that they have incurred during the storm, using a form created by Orange County.