Promises to Keep

Mayor Doug French lost no time calling for help — from County, State, and Federal officials — to clean up after Irene. And Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, County Executive Rob Astorino, and Legislator Judy Myers, and Steve Otis, on behalf of State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, came. The morning after Irene walloped Rye, officials arrived at City Hall, where they were greeted by City staff members from every department, and the media.

By Robin Jovanovich

“I contacted our officials, not only to come see the impact on residents, but to see what happened to our businesses, our organizations, our schools,” said Mayor French. “We need their help beyond disaster recovery relief; we need mitigation of upstream events. And for that we need funding.” The Mayor said he was encouraged by the support of our officials. “I’m counting on them to help when it comes time for approvals of FEMA projects, especially. They need to help us cut through the red tape, especially when the agencies get to the cost-benefit analysis.”

While touring some of Rye’s hardest-hit streets Monday morning — Purchase, Elm, and Locust — Senator Gillibrand promised to work hard to get money for Rye. Mr. Astorino reported that the County was well into the information collection phase. “Once we receive the numbers from all the communities, we’ll aggressively pursue funding.” Congresswoman Lowey stressed “the need for bi-partisan support.”

Rye’s preliminary damage assessment of public infrastructure, as of this afternoon, is $685,000.

While residents were hopeful about the presence of so many officials in town after the storm, many said they are frustrated by the lack of significant action on flood control. The Central Avenue Bridge is still not open. The $50 million promised by former County Executive Andy Spano never came through.

admin