O'Mara pushes for an update on NYS response to Tropical Storm Debby flooding in the Canisteo Valley

Описание: Albany, N.Y., February 12—State Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C-Big Flats), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, is again joining legislative colleagues in Albany this week to continue a monthlong series of joint Senate-Assembly hearings on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2026-2027 New York State budget.

On Thursday, the hearing is examining the governor’s specific proposals for Public Protection.
Today’s hearing included testimony from New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Acting Commissioner Terence O’Leary, who faced questioning from legislators, including O’Mara, on a range of concerns and issues.

O’Mara focused his questioning on devastating flooding that has hit communities in the Canisteo Valley over the past several years, most recently during Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024.

O’Mara noted that he and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano have been working since then with DHSES, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the state Department of Transportation (DOT) on initiating flood mapping, studies, and other flood prevention efforts to determine how to best strengthen the resiliency of the area moving forward – and asked for an update on that overall effort.

O’Mara also expressed frustration and disappointment that following the Tropical Storm Debby flooding in 2024 -- three years after Tropical Storm Fred flooding in the same area -- the state has failed to cover the local share of storm recovery costs, an action it did take in the aftermath of the 2021 storm.

“(Flood recovery) expenses for those small, rural communities have been significant and, frankly, (the lack of state support) delayed some of the repair work that needs to be done,” O’Mara said.

Senator O'Mara has served as the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee since 2021.

"We welcome this year’s budget hearings, at this critical time, for direct input and critique on a range of policy areas that will decide the short- and long-term future and strength of our local communities and economies.” said Senator O’Mara, who represents the 58th Senate District comprised of Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, and a part of Allegany County.

Read more and find the full hearings schedule on www.omara.nysenate.gov.