SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.7 MILLION IN DISASTER RELIEF FUNDING FOR CLINTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT IN ONEIDA COUNTY – MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED BY FLOODING LAST YEAR

Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Clinton Central School District in Oneida County will receive $1,705,342.25 in federal funds to implement repairs to the Middle and High school buildings. The funds are being allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will help the school district repair damages that were a direct result of severe storms during the period of June 26, 2013 through July 10, 2013. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that, during this time, there was severe inland flooding that caused widespread damages to the Clinton Central School District Middle School/High School Building. This $1.7 million constitutes 75 percent of the total project cost.

“This much-needed federal funding will help the Clinton Central School District recover from the last summer’s severe flooding, which caused significant damage to Clinton’s Middle and High Schools,” said Senator Schumer. “With this funding, the school district will be able to repair the damages and provide a better, safer learning environment for students without those costs falling back on local taxpayers.”

“The Clinton Central School District middle and high school buildings suffered severe damage after storms left them flooded,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This FEMA funding will provide the community with the tools and resources they need to rebuild the Clinton Central School District. Our students deserve the best schools that enable them to get the most out of their education.  I am pleased FEMA has awarded this funding that will allow our schools to pick up the pieces and make a full recovery.”

Schumer and Gillibrand explained that flood waters were approximately nine inches high inside the building and caused significant damage to classrooms, the gymnasium, electrical and heating elements and deposited mud and debris throughout the two school buildings. As a result, on-site storm sewers surcharged and floodwaters inundated several classrooms and the gymnasium, causing mud and debris to be deposited throughout the facility. Floors and walls were soaked causing damage to electrical and heating elements as well. Floodwaters also inundated the mechanical rooms, lower stage areas and gymnasium floors causing irreversible damages. The federal government will cover 75 percent of the total project cost of $2,273,789.66 with this $1.7 million.

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