Damascus holds meeting on survey

DAMASCUS, PA — The Damascus Township Planning Commission will hold an open meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26 at the township building on Conklin Hill Road to present information regarding the multi-township comprehensive plan.

On the basis of previous open meetings, a survey questionnaire has been prepared for Damascus Township, and its format and administration will be discussed at the meeting. All residents and nonresident landowners/second homeowners will receive this survey in early August. The collective input will help township officials make decisions that are in accordance with the desires of the community.

For more information call 570/224-4410.

State breaks for flood victims

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — State and local government have announced a series of breaks for victims of the June floods.

The state has extended tax filing deadlines for taxpayers who were adversely affected by the flooding, and who had tax deadlines beginning on or after June 25 and ending on or before September 5. The deadline has been extended to September 5. In addition, the Department of Motor Vehicles has been directed to replace valid licenses, registrations, titles, license plates or non-driver identification cards that were damaged or lost at no cost for 30 days from July 14.

Locally, the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has established a Sales Tax Exemption program for Sullivan County businesses damaged by flooding. The IDA will eliminate sales and use tax payments on purchases of items used to replace equipment, supplies and other taxable items rendered useless by the flood waters. The IDA will also absorb the cost of the fees usually associated with an application.

Senators push for flood relief funds for farmers

WASHINGTON, DC — Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton have called on the Secretary of Agriculture to release funds for critical programs that will provide relief for New York farmers hard hit by recent flooding. The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency recently released agricultural damage estimates that show over 200,000 acres were affected and over $30.8 million were lost in damage to farmland, buildings and crops. It is estimated that 24,500 acres, or 20 percent of total acreage in Sullivan County, was affected.

In a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Johanns, the senators called on the USDA to make adequate funding available for programs that are critical for helping farmers and communities recover from this devastating event, including the emergency watershed protection program, the emergency conservation program and the crop disaster program. The senators also called for consideration of a crop indemnity program similar to the one provided for farmers who suffered losses during Hurricane Katrina.

Hinchey, Gunther hold dam meeting

FORESTBURGH, NY — In an effort to keep residents apprised of the latest news regarding the efforts to fix the Swinging Bridge Dam and restore the reservoir to its full capacity, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-Forestburgh) have scheduled an informational session on the dam and reservoir for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 27 at the Forestburgh Firehouse. Representatives from Mirant NY-Gen, which owns the dam, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which regulates the dam, will attend the public forum to give an update on the dam and field questions.

Port Jervis receives cleanup funds

ALBANY, NY — Port Jervis has been allocated $85,500 in state funds, out of a total $1,056,787 in state Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) grants. The funds will be used for investigation of environmental contamination at the former State Wide Oil Property located at 108 East Main Street.

The 1.3-acre property has been used for petroleum storage and transfer, likely since the early 1900s. A limited investigation of the site performed in 1998 by the city included the excavation of six test pits and collection of soil samples, which confirmed the presence of petroleum contamination. The investigation will determine the extent of contamination. Subsequently, a determination will be made on the remediation activities necessary to make the site safe for reuse as a park. Current plans for the park include a picnic area, playground equipment and a skateboard park.

Lawyers cut rates for flood victims

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — The Sullivan County Bar Association has undertaken an initiative to assist Sullivan County residents who have experienced losses as a result of the recent flooding. Members of the association have agreed to provide legal assistance to flood victims at substantially reduced rates and, for those who qualify, for free. Many flood victims will be in need of assistance in legal areas involving landlord/tenant issues, insurance claims, refinancing, contracts for repairs and filing the appropriate paperwork with FEMA.

For more information call 845/794-3344.

Sush resigns as Monti manager

MONTICELLO, NY — One of Monticello’s longest-serving village managers, Richard Sush, will leave his position on August 11. After 14 years with 11 village managers, Sush stayed in office for five and a half years. There is one year remaining in his current three-year contract.

Prior to becoming the village manager, Sush had a 28-year career at Sullivan County Community College. He was director of counseling at the Loch Sheldrake campus and later became dean of students. He also served as chairman of the Town of Thompson Planning Board and was elected to two terms on the town council before being named to the village manager position.

“Five and a half years is a long time in village-manager lives.” Sush said. “My original plan was to stay for two to three years and move on to something else.”