Clarkstown To Get Federal Money For Dec. 26 Winter Storm, a National Disaster

The debilitating blizzard that shut down New York City has been declared a National Disaster by FEMA.

Parts of Clarkstown was covered in over a foot of snow and experienced gusts of wind up to 60 mph, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

In addition to other preparations, the Clarkstown Highway Department prepared the roads and had fleets of plows at the ready to keep the roads safe. All the efforts cost the town $285,000, which will be reimbursed by the Federal Governement. 

"It was a bad storm," said Highway Superintendent Wayne Ballard. "It doesn't happen often. The last time they declared a storm a national disaster was in 2006."

The government looks at the whole affect of the storm on the area and crunches the numbers. If the affect on the town is great enough, it can be considered a national disaster.

Clarkstown applied for reimbursement after the efforts surrounding the storm created financial woes for the Highway Dept.

"Instead of being in the red, the Highway Department will probably be in the black, which is a big thing," said Ballard. "We deserved it [the money]."

Potholes caused by the winter storms or the plows can be reported to Clarkstown PD (845-639-5800) or Orangetown PD (845-359-3700). There is a 30-day notification period that begins when you file your complaint and after that time any damage caused by the pothole may be compensated for.