Greene County: Prepared For Disaster

New York State funding for anti-terror programs is earmarked for Greene County - Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas spoke with a county official about the grant and the county's emergency preparedness.


Some ask why a small, peaceful county nestled at the upper end of the mid-Hudson Valley would need money to fight terrorism. Wouldn't it be better spent in Westchester County or New York City?

Green County Administrator Shaun Groden says "just because we're off the beaten path doesn't mean damages and fatalities can't occur. You have water supply systems, you have rail lines, you have bridges..."

Groden says the county is engaged in what he describes as a "continual application process" under the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and the latest round of grant money is from one of the more recent approvals. New software is being installed that will help manage any hazards or crises. Another software package will enhance 9-1-1 data collection procedures. The new software is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year. Groden says Greene already has a reverse 9-1-1 program in place.

The funding will also benefit the county’s flood recovery plan after Hurricane Irene that did so much damage in 2011. Groden says one of the biggest needs after the flood was to shelter pets and farm animals - that has been met - he adds that the county post-Irene is better prepared to handle almost any calamity that may arise.

Greene County has spent 10 Million dollars to date and Groden says an additional 5 Million needs to be spent for final repairs.