Albany, NY - January 20, 2016 - In advance of Winter Storm Jonas, Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky questioned the New York State Department of Transportation (“DOT”) Commissioner Matthew Driscoll on its winter storm emergency preparedness and readiness to respond to potential major coastal flooding in advance of Winter Storm Jonas at today’s New York State Legislative Transportation Budget Hearing.
Assemblyman Kaminsky is gravely concerned with the potential for severe coastal flooding and the impact that it will have on the barrier island communities.
“I hope that the NYSDOT takes into serious consideration how the storm will impact coastal areas in the region, and be equipped to act,” said Assemblyman Kaminsky.
NYSDOT assured Assemblyman Kaminsky that they are prepared to respond to the region’s needs, and are coordinating efforts with emergency service providers and closely tracking the storm in order to mitigate any threat of coastal flooding.
“All residents must be aware of the potential for coastal flooding that may accompany this weekend’s winter storm,” said Kaminsky. “I encourage my constituents to take all necessary precautions in preparation for the storm.”
During his questioning, Kaminsky also noted that major post-Sandy infrastructure projects have been slow to materialize, and that in many cases our coastal areas are as vulnerable as they were the day before superstorm Sandy struck. Kaminsky urged the Executive Branch to expedite these projects and urged the NYSDOT Commissioner to take that into consideration when preparing for this weekend’s storm.