PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Otsego County remains under a state of emergency until Wednesday 1:45 pm, July 12, 2006. The State of Emergency is extended due to continuing emergency conditions produced by flooding between June 27 through June 30, 2006 which caused severe damage to infrastructure and to individual homes and businesses. These conditions threaten or imperil the public safety of the citizens of Otsego County.

The Otsego County Highway Department reports that all roads in Otsego County, with the exception of five which have bridges out are now open. Road status can be found on the county website www.otsegocounty.com or contact the EOC at 607-547-4328.

The Disaster Food Stamp Benefit Program is available through the Otsego County Department of Social Services. This program is available to residents who normally do not qualify. To receive this benefit, flood victims who qualify for this special program must apply by Friday, July 14^th. Representatives from the Otsego County Department of Social Services are available at the Disaster Assistance Center at Lee Hall SUNY Oneonta from 8 am – 8 pm Monday thru Friday July 10 – July 14 and from 8 am – 4 pm, Monday thru Friday, July 17 – July 21^st. Assistance is also available from the Department of Social Services at the Meadows Office Complex, County Rte 33W, Cooperstown from 9 am – 4 pm Monday thru Friday.

Karen Liddle

Public Information Officer

607-547-1660