Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
File photo by Tom Rivers: A section of Thompson Drive at the western end of Kendall was eaten up by Lake Ontario. This photo was taken on May 7, 2017.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that DEC has completed revisions to the Lake Ontario General Permit related to erosion and shoreline damage caused by the historic high-water levels of Lake Ontario during 2017-18, and is extending the permit authority to September 30, 2019.
The revisions and extension of the General Permit are the latest in a series of State actions that support Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s ongoing commitment to helping residents impacted by last year’s devastating flooding.
Commissioner Seggos said, “DEC has been working hand-in-hand with communities along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River since day one, helping New Yorkers protect their homes and businesses from record flooding and related damages. Our efforts aren’t subject to an arbitrary expiration date. We’ll be on the ground helping these communities until the job is done and will continue to authorize shoreline repair work until these communities are back on their feet.”
DEC’s General Permit was revised to include additional typical activities undertaken by shoreline property owners to make necessary repair and stabilize their properties from high water levels and wind-driven high wave events. The revisions incorporate lessons learned from experience gained over the course of the State’s response to this major flooding event.
Over the past year, DEC has received more than 3,000 applications for permits to authorize shoreline repair work, and issued over 2,700 emergency authorizations. Commissioner Seggos is granting this extension for the General Permit authority to address the continued demand for restoration permits. The extension allows DEC to accept applications through April 30, 2019, and extends the permit expiration date to September 30, 2019.
Additional activities permitted include:
• Repair of erosion control structures that require minor deviations waterward necessary for the stability of the structure;
• New toe stone necessary for the stabilization of vertical erosion control structures;
• New stone revetments for the emergency stabilization of existing dwellings; and
• Removal of channel blockages in tributaries to Lake Ontario blocked by shoreline sediments.
DEC’s revised General Permit was developed in consultation with the New York State Department of State (DOS) and the Buffalo District of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACOE). Activities authorized under this permit qualify for coverage under the USACOE Nationwide Permit Program and have received a Federal Coastal Consistency Concurrence from DOS. These revisions mean applicants eligible for the revised General Permit will receive a single approval from all three agencies.
Governor Cuomo remains committed to helping New York’s Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River communities recover from last year’s historically high water levels. Following the flooding of both Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway, which damaged homes, businesses, and local infrastructure, the Governor and the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services coordinated with county and local partners to monitor water levels and deliver resources, including millions of sandbags and the construction of thousands of feet of temporary dams.
An initial $45 million commitment to provide aid to residents, small businesses, and municipalities affected by the flood was supplemented with two $5 million grants from the State and Municipal Facilities Program to bolster previous relief and provide necessary financial assistance to recovery efforts.
The new permit is available on DEC’s website by clicking here.
Homeowners and municipalities with questions about the Lake Ontario grant program should call DEC at 518-474-2057 during normal business hours.
Small business owners and other eligible property owners should contact Empire State Development with questions by emailing LakeOntario@esd.ny.gov or calling 518-292-5348.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2018 at 12:53 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower and two Sheriff’s Office investigators, Shannon Brett and Ken Strickland, are pictured with some of the Self Advocate All Stars in Orleans County before Bower took the All Stars to a conference in Batavia today.
Bower and the two investigators are pictured with, from left: Jonathan Doherty, Robert Greer, Tyler Nunnery and Mike Woodward.
The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State is holding a two-day Western Region Conference today and Friday at the Quality Inn in Batavia. Bower will be the group’s keynote speaker on Friday. He also will lead a seminar on Internet safety. The sheriff said he will discuss “overcoming challenges” during his keynote presentation.
The Self Advocate All Stars formed in Orleans County in 2006. The local group made Bower an honorary member in 2015.
The All Stars advocate for people in the community with disabilities. All Stars include residents who live at home with their families, in apartments with supportive services or in Arc residential homes.
New Yorkers are urged to take precautions with an extended period of dangerous heat and humidity this weekend and through Monday.
To avoid heat-related illnesses, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is encouraging individuals to limit strenuous outdoor physical activity during this time period, especially for people who are more susceptible, including young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work, and those who have respiratory diseases such as asthma. At-risk populations should take necessary steps to stay cool as temperatures rise.
The forecast for Orleans County shows high temperatures of 87 on Friday, 91 on Saturday, 94 on Sunday and 87 on Monday.
Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable, weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat causes more than 600 preventable deaths in the United States yearly.
To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat the Governor offered the following tips:
People Who Should Be Aware:
• Elderly persons and small children are mostly affected
• Persons with weight or alcohol problems are very susceptible to heat reactions
• Persons on certain medications or drugs
Be Prepared:
• Slow down on strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun’s peak hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Exercise should be done in the early morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables. Protein produces and increases metabolic heat, which causes water loss. Eat small meals, but eat more often. Do not eat salty foods
• Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine
• If possible, stay out of the sun and stay in air conditioning. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a public building with air conditioning
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head. When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body
• Do not leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or vehicle during periods of intense summer heat. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill within a matter of minutes
• Make an effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are elderly, have young children or have special needs
• Make sure there is enough food and water for pets
Know the Signs of Heat Related Illness:
Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of heat illness, including: headache, light headedness, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Mike Clemons of the Albion Department of Public Works waters flowers on Main Street this morning. The DPW does the watering on weekday mornings and volunteers handle the job on weekends.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2018 at 10:47 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Department of Public Works this morning installed a mural of Santa Claus in flight in a sleigh over downtown Albion and the Courthouse Square.
Albion native Stacey Kirby Steward created the mural that is 24 feet wide by 8 feet high. It is mounted on a steel frame in Waterman Park, a half block south of the Erie Canal. The Albion Rotary Club organized the project and raised the money to get it done. Rotary paid for about half of the cost with community donations covering the other half.
The mural honors Albion’s history as home to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School from 1937 to 1966. Howard also ran Christmas Park in Albion. Mr. Howard passed away in 1966. The Santa School continues in his name in Midland, Michigan.
Albion DPW workers Jeff Ashbery, left, and Tim Banker attach the final panel. There are six panels that are 4 feet wide by 8 feet high.
Stacey Kirby Steward, front, and Albion Mayor Eileen Banker carry one of the panels from the firehall to Waterman Park. Steward did some of the painting on the mural at her home in Spencerport and also worked on the project in the firehall.
Some local residents check out the mural after it was installed at about 9 a.m. today.
DPW workers Tim Banker and Todd Sargent fasten a panel to the steel frame.
Steward welcomed the chance to create a mural for her hometown. She said drone photos taken of downtown Albion and Main Street at dusk were very helpful in creating the Albion scenery. Elliott Neidert, who just graduated from Albion High School, sent up his drone to get the aerial photos that were a reference for Steward.
Steward has painted many murals of Canal scenes that are in Holley, Medina, Gasport, Brockport and other locations.
The Santa mural was a dramatic change from the themes of her other large-scale paintings.
“Flying reindeer isn’t something you get to paint everyday,” she said.
Steward will be on location Friday putting some finishing touches on the mural, including painting over the tops of the bolts used to fasten the mural to the frame.
Ken McPherson of Medina is a graduate of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School. McPherson watched the installation this morning and praised Steward for the painting. McPherson likes how the mural showcases Albion.
“It’s Albion, New York,” he said. “That’s what’s really cool about it. You can pick out your house.”
McPherson also appreciated the vibrant expression on Santa’s face.
“I’m loving it,” McPherson said about the mural. “The Santa has a Charlie flair. Charlie wanted to overemphasize the facial expressions because that’s all that the kids see.”
Contributed Photo – The Orleans County Clay Crushers team had a very successful day of competition at the state skeet and trap championships this past Saturday.
The Orleans County Clay Crushers team competed in the New York State SCTP state shoot this past Saturday. The team, which consisted of 28 shooters aged 12- 18, shooting both trap and skeet, brought home an impressive 18 medals in both team and individual competition.
The Varsity Trap squad placed first, The JV Trap squads took second and third, the Intermediate Advanced Trap squad first, the Intermediate Entry Trap squad first, the Varsity Skeet squads first and third and the Intermediate Advanced Skeet squad first.
In the individual competition, Patrick Brien placed first in both the Varsity Trap and Skeet High Gun Divisions, Jacob Kuhmann third in Varsity Skeet, Shane Hastings second in JV Trap, Caden Uderitz first in Intermediate Advanced Trap and second in Skeet, Sawyer Braley third in Intermediate Advanced Trap, Christian Swierczynski first in Intermediate Advanced Skeet, Bryce Wilson second in Intermediate Entry Trap and Hunter Stevens third in Entry Trap.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2018 at 6:43 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office was authorized today to fill two newly created school resource officer positions.
Lyndonville and Kendall school districts both have approved paying the county $100,000 annually to have a deputy work full-time in the school districts from Sept. 1 to June 30 each school year. The districts and the county have approved agreements for three years.
The Sheriff’s Office will post the two jobs and accept input from the school districts in filling the positions, Sheriff Randy Bower said.
The new school resource officers will start on Sept. 1. During the summers they will work on road patrol for the Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s such a win for the community, the teachers and the students,” Bower said this afternoon after the County Legislature authorized the sheriff to create and fill the positions.
Bower said the Sheriff’s Office has expanded its presence in Lyndonville and Kendall, the two schools in the northern part of the county that do not have a full-time police presence in their communities.
The contracts with the school resource officers will include 125 hours of overtime so the officers can attend some after-school activities, athletic events and the prom, Bower said.
The officers will provide security for the schools, and also educate students with anti-bullying programs, anti-drug education and also guide them in using a new STOP DWI Driving Simulator, where students and other users can see the effects of driving while texting, drowsy or if they are impaired or intoxicated.
Medina is the only other school with a resource officer in Orleans County. Corey Ambrose from the Medina Police Department filled the role this past school year.
Holley for the past five years has contracted with COP Security Inc. to have security staff members who are often retired law enforcement officers.
In Albion, an officer from the Albion Police Department isn’t assigned to the school, but several have increased their presence at school buildings this past year.
MEDINA – Sparkling devices are now readily available in New York State. Niagara County has legalized small sparkling devices. Orleans County has not legalized these devices. As they are now available to the public in other jurisdictions safety issues should be addressed.
The sparklers burn at approximately 2,000 degrees. After they have burned down please dispose of the wire remnants properly. A small bucket with water is best. Avoid trash cans with combustible materials or paper products.
The sparks given off by “showering fountains” can spark a grass fire. Please use care in placing the larger showering fountains on the ground. Ornamental grasses and mulch can hold a spark and flare up hours after the sparklers had been enjoyed.
As always firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles are still illegal. If you choose to use these types of fireworks please be respectful of your neighbors. Follow the warning label; light fuse and get away. Do not hold the larger firecrackers in your hand.
BATAVIA – The 12th Millis Memorial Golf Tournament raised $12,000 to assist families fighting cancer, bringing the total over 12 years to $150,000.
The family of David Millis would like to thank the sponsors, golfers, dinner guests, volunteers, and raffle prize donors to help make this year’s tournament a huge success even with the rainy weather on June 3 at Batavia Country Club.
The $12,000 from the tournament was again donated to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, which is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to assisting families in Orleans County with their fight against cancer. The money is used to assist with prescriptions, medical insurance, nutritional supplements, hospital beds and many other needs.
The team of Mike Hayden, Ryan Dombrowski, Greg Weber and Doug Dombrowski won the 12th Millis Memorial Golf Tournament.
Mike Hayden, Ryan Dombrowski, Greg Weber, and Doug Dombrowski defended their title and won this year’s tournament. Golfers and dinner guests had a chance to find purple golf balls hidden throughout the golf course and banquet hall to help raise pancreatic cancer awareness, which Dave passed away from. Anyone who found a golf ball throughout the day won a prize.
Millis was an active community member and the long-time superintendent of Albion’s sewer plant.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2018 at 12:55 pm
Robin Nacca
BARRE – A Barre resident has been appointed by the State Senate to serve as an ad hoc member of the Siting Board that will determine whether a proposed wind turbine project is approved in Barre.
Robin Nacca has established Know Your Facts USA, seeking to provide truthful data about wind turbines.
She said Town Supervisor Sean Pogue asked her to serve on the Siting Board. Barre can have two residents on the seven-member board. Nacca is the first to be appointed. That happened last month by State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan.
Carl Heastie, the Assembly speaker, is supposed to appoint the other resident from Barre. When Heastie didn’t appoint someone in a timely manner for the Lighthouse Wind project in Yates and Somerset, Gov. Cuomo stepped in to make the appointment – Russ Martino of Yates.
Nacca challenged Pogue for town supervisor in a Republican primary and then in the November election last year.
“I’m a very unbiased person,” she said. “I don’t like people drawing conclusions until they have the facts.”
Nacca lives on Route 98. Her property is adjacent to land that has been leased for a possible turbine.
The seven-member Siting Board has five state representatives including the chairman of the Department of Public Service, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, commissioner of the Department of Health, chairman of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the commissioner of Economic Development.
The Supreme Court has struck down an Illinois law that requires public sector employees to pay union dues.
Congressman Chris Collins, R-Clarence, is praising the 5-4 ruling in Janus vs. AFSCME while Gov. Andrew Cuomo said it erodes the strength of unions and their advocacy for working class families.
Congressman Collins: “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a big win for government workers who, for far too long, have been forced to pay union fees in support of causes they are fundamentally against. Forcing an individual to join a political organization or government union goes against one of the greatest freedoms we are granted as Americans, the right to free speech. Any violation of the First Amendment is counter to the values our nation was founded upon and I applaud today’s monumental decision.”
Gov. Cuomo issued a lengthy statement, including this: “The Janus decision was the result of years of planning at right-wing conferences, funded by billionaires, to strip away protections that cost them money. But American history proves that the future belongs to those who are willing to work for it. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect and strengthen organized labor. Together, we can build a better American Dream than the impoverished one outlined by this decision. In the state of New York, the future of labor is bright.”
CSEA President Danny Donohue: “It’s outrageous that the Supreme Court caved to greedy corporate CEOs and the wealthy instead of supporting the rights of hardworking Americans. Let me be clear. This case wasn’t about fairness or even free speech. It was just another scheme for the rich to get richer by destroying unions and silencing working people. I can tell you right now it’s not going to work.
“Our members won’t be fooled into giving up everything unions have fought so hard for. Workers in New York, the most unionized state in the country, know the value strong unions provide workers, families and communities. Our members will stick with our union because unions help workers get better wages and health benefits, improve workplace safety, and protect their pensions.”
New York State Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence: “Today’s decision from the U.S. Supreme Court comes as no surprise. This case, Janus v American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) was backed by anti-worker extremists seeking to further rig the economy and limit the power labor has when unions are strong.
“The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), and other unions in New York state and around the country have been preparing for this decision with vigorous member engagement campaigns, involving thousands of one-on-one conversations with workers at all state agencies and departments about the value of being a union member. What the anti-union groups don’t understand is the power of our union comes from our members and their commitment to fight to better provide for their families and serve their communities, not from money!
“We will not let any court case stand in the way of our fight for good, union jobs that our communities need. We know when unions are strong, we have the power to raise wages, secure basic needs such as health care coverage and a dignified retirement, making life better for our families and our communities. No court case, no billionaire and no propaganda campaign can stop us. We are stronger together!”
MEDINA – The Orleans County YMCA this week started its summer day camps, with the program continuing through Aug. 24.
Children can register for a day, a week, or longer, said Greg Reed, the Y director.
The Orleans County YMCA has updated its programs to increase offerings to the community, Reed said.
“A few of those changes have included public access to a batting cage, rock climbing wall, and community partnerships,” he said. “The new Summer Day Camp Director, Laura Fields, is an experienced YMCA child care staff member who is adored by students and her creativity in exploring new adventures.”
Daniel Doctor, who also works as director of community outreach for Medina Central School, is leading the oversight of the staff training, Leaders In Training, and Counselors In Training programs to kick off the summer.
• Summer Day Camp is for campers in grades 1 – 6 and Reed said it is the perfect place for children to have a fun and safe summer. In addition, the Y has leadership development programs for older campers. Day Camp allows children to grow and thrive while working with peer groups and enjoying a variety of both indoor and outdoor games and activities.
With options to choose from 5-day or “a la carte” per diem daily rates, there is something to fit the needs of all parents. If your child is in need of half-day care, due to enrichment programs, the YMCA is willing to explore options for this route, too, Reed said.
• Campers in grades 7- 8 can take part of the Leaders In Training (LIT) program, while students for grades 9 – 12 can register for the Counselors In Training (CIT) program. The CIT program is a free program, as high school students will “pay their way” in demonstrating their leadership skills in assisting YMCA staff with the Day Camp program. This is a great opportunity for building a resume for jobs and colleges, while opening employment opportunities at the YMCA.
Each week is based around a special theme and the Y offers age-appropriate activities like sports and games, arts and crafts, weekly field trips, utilizing our new rock wall, and more. Each day, camp is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with additional recreational enrichment until 6 p.m., if needed.
The caring and nurturing staff are carefully selected based on their previous experience and schooling, Reed said.
YMCA summer camps are certified by the New York State Health Department and adhere to strict safety regulations.
Register for one week or join the Y for all 9. The YMCA offers flexible enrollment and payment plans to fit the needs of any family. The Y also provides scholarships (of up to 50% percent) for those who qualify, which makes YMCA summer camp one of the most affordable options around, Reed said.
For more information on the YMCA’s summer camp programs or to register, contact the Orleans County YMCA at 585-798-2040.
Provided photo: Building Trades instructor Matt Anastasi, Matt Lasher (21_Connect’s founder and director) and SkillsUSA President Heaven Flood from Lyndonville.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Every spring, the SkilllsUSA officer at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center chooses an organization to raise money for.
Community service is an important component of SkillsUSA, and the student officers take their mission very seriously. They consider several organizations, do research on who and how the organization supports, and how SkillsUSA can help.
Ultimately, an organization called 21_Connect was chosen. This is a grass roots organization started by parents, to help parents with a child who has Down Syndrome. One of the senior officers, Elijah Sones, has a younger sister with Down Syndrome, and he discovered that his teacher, Building Trades instructor Matt Anastasi, has a daughter with Down Syndrome as well.
Mr. Anastasi encouraged Elijah to look into 21_Connect, which provides support and guidance to parents after their child has been born. Mr. Anastasi said this service would have been invaluable to him after his daughter was born, as both he and his wife were overwhelmed and unsure of how to best support their daughter.
Elijah and his fellow classmate and SkillsUSA officer, Malik Abdulghani, presented the organization to their fellow officers, and all agreed to that it would be a great cause to support. The officers designed and sold emblems for students to purchase and post in the school; the class with the highest donation would win an ice cream party. A goal of $500 was set; after three weeks, more than $700 was raised. The officers were thrilled with the outcome.
21_Connect’s founder and director Matt Lasher attended the senior breakfast held on June 7 to receive the donation. He was overwhelmed with the students’ generosity.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that she has included her bipartisan amendment, the Rural Jobs and Investment Act, in the Farm Bill that the Senate is considering on the floor this week.
Gillibrand’s proposal, which has bipartisan support in the Senate, would expand access to much-needed resources and investment for rural entrepreneurs in Upstate New York to start and expand local businesses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 57 percent of rural communities throughout New York State saw more businesses close than open from 2012 to 2016.
“One of my most important priorities in this year’s Farm Bill is bringing jobs back to our rural communities,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “There are so many hardworking New Yorkers in rural communities all over our state who have great ideas to start new businesses. My bipartisan Rural Jobs and Investment Act would make it easier for these entrepreneurs to get their ideas up and running, it would promote investment in our rural communities, and it would create jobs. I will continue doing everything I can in the Senate to make sure that this amendment passes into law.”
Gillibrand’s amendment creates a new grant program to invest in local efforts to launch new companies and create new jobs in New York’s rural communities. The grant program would invest up to $2 million per award to community-driven initiatives to help improve the local economies of rural areas by doing the following:
• Helping rural entrepreneurs and businesses connect to new markets;
• Providing skills training to prepare workers for quality jobs and providing businesses with the workforce they need for success;
• Investing in infrastructure upgrades required to support new business growth, including the deployment of high-speed internet service;
• Turning more research and development at universities and other research institutions into new companies and business growth; and
• Revitalizing downtowns with new innovation centers to serve as spaces for mixed-use housing, business development, training, and co-working.
This bipartisan proposal would also expand the use of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Facilities Program to invest in business incubators, makerspaces, and job training centers to provide additional resources for communities to support their entrepreneurs. The Community Facilities Program provides direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to improve public services and public facilities in rural communities.
In addition, the amendment would also expand access to capital for rural entrepreneurs by encouraging investment to rural areas. Currently, the USDA has one program to help address these capital challenges, the Rural Business Investment Program, but this program is limited in the types of industries that it can invest in, as well as the amount of capital it can attract. Gillibrand’s amendment would improve the program to allow investments across all industries, encouraging more capital to be invested in rural entrepreneurs.
This bipartisan amendment is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), and has been endorsed by the American Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Council, National Association of Counties, National Association of Development Organizations, National Cooperative Business Association, and the Rural Community Assistance Partnership.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2018 at 7:56 am
Tiffany Keiffer sent in this photo of the message on the sign at Kendall Elementary School.
It’s going to be rainy today with showers and thunderstorms which could produce locally heavy rainfall this evening, the National Weather Service said. About a quarter to a half inch of rain is expected with a high near 77.
The weather will become hot and quite humid for much of the upcoming weekend with dangerously high apparent temperatures Saturday and Sunday, the Weather Service said.
“This will especially be the case across the lake plains and in the valleys where apparent temperatures will exceed 100 degrees,” according to the Weather Service. “Those planning outdoor festivities should plan on the likelihood for heat related issues and act accordingly.”
The highs for next few days include 80 on Thursday, 86 on Friday, 93 on Saturday and 96 on Sunday.
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today proposed an amendment to this year’s Farm Bill that would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to authorize $300 million in emergency relief funding for dairy farmers immediately.
Dairy farmers across New York are suffering from historically low dairy prices and are forced to shoulder an increasing amount of debt in order to continue operating their farms. This funding would be authorized through the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). The USDA has the authority to provide direct financial assistance to struggling agricultural industries, and last month, Gillibrand called on the USDA to utilize this authority once more for dairy farmers in New York and across the country.
After receiving a negative response from the USDA, Gillibrand is now introducing an amendment to the Farm Bill to require the USDA to assist New York dairy farmers during this crisis. This authority was used most recently in 2016 and 2018 to support and protect cotton farmers.
“Dairy farms are at the heart of New York’s rural economy, but milk prices are so low that more than 1,200 dairy farms have shut down in just the last decade, and many more are on the brink of failing. This is a crisis right in our own backyard,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to introduce this amendment to require the USDA to immediately provide financial assistance to our dairy producers. I want this emergency funding to go directly to the farmers who need it, so they can keep producing milk without going bankrupt. The USDA should do the right thing and give our dairy farmers the help they need now.”
Dairy farmers could receive $8,000 on average directly from the USDA if Gillibrand’s amendment were to be included in this Farm Bill. New York is the third-largest dairy producing state, with more than 4,400 dairies producing nearly 15 billion pounds of milk each year. These farms are the bedrock of the agricultural economy and rural communities throughout the state. Every dollar of on-farm milk sale generates $2.29 in the local economy, and for every full-time worker on a dairy farm, another 1.5 jobs are created in other parts of the food industry.
