PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Otsego County Chairman Donald Lindberg has announced that Otsego County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has moved into recovery phase. The flood waters are receding and some residents are being allowed to return to their homes. Some county roads are reopening but Chairman Lindberg reminds drivers to proceed slowly and with caution as some repairs are only temporary.

To check the status of road closures check the county website at www.otsegocounty.com or contact the EOC at 607-547-4328. To check the status of state roads check the NYS Department of Transportation website at www.travelinfony.com. State Route 7 and 28 are open. I-88 is closed both directions from Exit 10,11,12,13. Exit 9 is closed eastbound (to Albany) and exit 14 is open eastbound (to Albany). Both websites are updated as it happens.

To assist Otsego County residents the county has established a call center at

800-884-9286.

The call center will be open from 8 am to 8 pm daily beginning July 1^st.Anyone having questions regarding food, housing, utilities or other household needs or health concerns such as medical health , medicine, information on water issues, clean up, food safety, well disinfection or having water tested please contact this number.

If you have residential structure damage, this information is also being collected by the call center.

The shelter at Hartwick College has been closed. There are approximately 100 people remaining in Littell Hall at SUNY Oneonta. The shelter at Unadilla High School is anticipated to close on Saturday, July 1^st.

As people return to their homes, Otsego County Public Health warns residents to discard any food affected by the flooding. If there was flooding in the living area or there is any obvious damage in the living area, start the clean up immediately. More complete information about returning to your home after a flood can be found at www.nyhealth.gov.

The Oneonta MOSA is still closed. Any flood related garbage, C&D material, furniture, rugs etc. can be taken to the Northern MOSA station in Cooperstown on Rt.28 between Cooperstown and Fly Creek. This station is open to all residents of Otsego County for no fee. Scrap metal is also accepted.

Flood damaged large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves; furnaces may be taken to Otsego Auto Crushers on Rt . 23 Southside in Oneonta for no fee. Refrigerators and air conditioners must have the Freon removed. Call a local service representative for removal instructions.

Flood damaged electronic equipment such as TV’s, computers VCRs etc. may be taken

to Edison Computers at 5375 St Hwy 7 in the East End of Oneonta.

Arrangements are being made by Otsego County Solid Waste to place roll-off containers in various locations throughout the county for disposal of flood waste. The locations will be announced as they come to pass.

Karen Liddle

Public Information Officer

607-547-1660