FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                                November 1, 2019

FOR MORE INFORMATION:                                                                                     Eric Mulvihill, Public Information Officer:1-607-749-7604

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION ISSUED FOR CORTLAND COUNTY  

CORTLAND, NY – Cortland County Legislative Chairman and Acting County Administrator Kevin Whitney has issued a State of Emergency Declaration for Cortland County in response to storm-related damage to public highway infrastructure in multiple communities across the County.

Torrential downpours and high winds Thursday night caused multiple washouts and heavily damaged several culverts in the County. Various Town and County Highway employees have been assessing the damage which will cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Whitney says, “Fortunately no lives were lost as a result of this storm, but municipalities across the County are facing expensive repairs.” Whitney went on to say, “By issuing this declaration it will ensure that if State and Federal funding is made available to off-set the cost of repairs communities in the County will be eligible for that assistance”.

Currently, there is no threat to public safety and County Emergency Management officials are working with the various impacted municipalities to determine the extent of damage and secure outside resources to assist with the clean-up process.

Residents are urged to use caution if they discover damage and report it immediately by calling 9-11. While several rivers and streams are at minor flood stage in Cortland County additional flooding is not anticipated.

Cortland County Emergency management will post any updates on social media at; www.facebook.com/cortlandcountyderc/ or on the County website at Cortland-co.org.