Cortlandt Gets $150,000 to Buy Emergency Generators

CORTLANDT, NY - A $150,000 state grant will buy emergency generators for the town's Department of Environmental Services.

The historic Halloween snow storm that blew through New York in 2011, downing trees, snapping electrical wires and leaving thousands in the dark, is still a fresh memory for many of us, said State Sen. Terrence Murphy, who helped secure the grant. Like many towns in Westchester, Cortlandt struggled to function without electricity.

This grant will be used to buy two emergency generators that will be installed at the Highway Department's offices at 167 Roa Hook road and 140 8th St.

"Extraordinary weather is becoming rather ordinary in the Hudson Valley," said Murphy. "We had devastating storms in October in back-to-back years where families were without power for more than a week. It is important that Cortlandt's Environmental Services Department continue to operate no matter what the prevailing weather conditions may be. The back-up generators will help keep essential personnel and services on the road."

Unlike other towns, Cortlandt has no police or fire departments. The Department of Environmental Services serves as the town's first responders.

"Our Public Works Department is tasked with clearing roads, removing debris and getting communities back to normal during and immediately following weather related disasters," said Linda Puglisi, Cortlandt Town Supervisor. "The Department of Environmental Services performs Public Works operations for the Town of Cortlandt. Operating our two locations the Department is tasked with responding to emergencies in the absence of electricity. Diesel fired generators are required at both facilities to maintain operations during extended periods. Generators can easily be installed at both locations to provide emergency backup power. We are very appreciative of Senator Murphy for this state grant which will provide our town with these needed generators."

Jeff Coleman, Director of Environmental Services, Highway Division, thought about Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, and 'Snowtober.' among the other severe storms of recent years. "We now have a back-up plan."

PHOTO: tree damaged at Blue Mountain Preserve in Cortlandt/Westchester County