The Peru Gazette

16 Landmarks To Be Illuminated Yellow on Evening of January 27

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 16 landmarks across New York State will be illuminated yellow this evening, Tuesday, January 27, in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and in honor of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust.

“On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remember the lives of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime just over 80 years ago,”Governor Hochul said. “Today, I call on New Yorkers to join me in honoring those taken from us by standing up to hate, working to heal division and polarization, and striving to root out antisemitism in New York and beyond.”

These 16 landmarks will be illuminated in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD SPECIAL MEETING, JANUARY 29, 2026, 6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of January 12, 2026 and 2026 Organizational Meeting of January 12, 2026

5. Community Input. 

6. DISCUSSION:   Engineering Update on Telegraph Road Over Dry Mill Brook.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Award to Lowest Bidder on the Telegraph Road Over Dry Mill Brook Culvert Replacement Project.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval 2026 Peru Free Library Contract.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Adirondack Park Local Gov’t Review Board Agreement.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval to Sell the Jenkins St. Property.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Close All Former Judge Kiby’s Bank Accounts.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Hiring of Code Enforcement Officer.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Hiring of Code Enforcement Office Secretary.

14. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Murnane Bldg. Contractors Change Order Directive GC-CD.06.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Councilmen

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads 

17. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – December 2025

19. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – January 2026

20. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

21. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

22. MOTION:  Adjourn.

Albany, NYS News Release of Jan. 27, 2026 – New York farmers are under increasing economic and financial pressure because of federal policy changes, including higher tariffs, cuts to certain agricultural programs, and stricter immigration enforcement policies, according to a report released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. These challenges could diminish farm production, squeeze profits, and lead to higher prices for consumers.

“There is real concern in rural New York about federal cuts, tariffs and labor shortages,” said DiNapoli. “New York’s farms are a vital part of the state’s economy and our local food supply, and we need policies that strengthen, not undermine their production and that lower, not drive up, prices in the grocery store.”

Agriculture is an important part of the state’s economy. New York’s 30,650 farms contributed nearly $3 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2022 and employed or supported 163,148 jobs in 2019. However, DiNapoli’s report identified impacts to the financial viability of family farms in the state from recent federal actions.

USDA Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assists farmers through grants, subsidies, loans and technical support. In 2022, 3,275 farms in New York received $66.3 million in direct federal payments, excluding crop insurance payments. In addition, the state received $382 million in USDA payments from three major programs, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development. These programs fund a wide variety of projects on and off the farm, including housing, community water systems, renewable energy projects, guaranteed farm loans, conservation reserve programs and technical assistance for environmental projects. Nearly every county in New York receives assistance from at least one of the programs.

DiNapoli’s report breaks down changes to federal funding for agriculture, including reductions over 10 years of $1.8 billion for conservation and $150 million to forestry programs, and a cut of $84 million in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 appropriations for the Farm Service Agency. While some commodities and crop insurance programs will receive increased funding, these changes are likely to have limited impact in New York. New York’s dairy sector may be the only local commodity to see a significant benefit since most programs are geared toward crops like sugar, wheat and cotton not widely grown in New York. Inflation, coupled with flat funding for other programs, may undermine USDA’s support for farmers and rural communities in New York.

In addition, the decrease in funding for nutritional assistance programs will mean less money spent at grocery stores, farmers markets and for purchases by food banks, resulting in a loss of markets for farms.

Tariffs

Tariffs are impacting farmers, affecting their ability to sell their products around the world, and increasing the cost of supplies and equipment for farms that already operate on thin margins. New York dairy exports declined by as much as 12% in the first half of 2025 vs. 2024, and U.S. soybean sales to China dropped from 985 million bushels in 2024 to 218 million in the first eight months of 2025.

DiNapoli’s report found that prices have climbed for imported fertilizers, steel and farm equipment. In July, the National Corn Growers Association found that fertilizer prices had increased from the first of the year between 4.7% and 37.6%, depending on the type of fertilizer. Increased uncertainty around markets and production costs makes it tougher for farmers to plan for future growing seasons.

Immigration

New York farms employed more than 56,000 people in 2022, excluding contract farm laborers, according to the USDA. Many of the workers are immigrants who plant and pick crops and work with farm animals. In 2023, nearly 10,000 were employed through the seasonal H2A federal guest worker visa program, but New York’s Agriculture Commissioner estimates as many as half of the farm labor workforce in the state was undocumented in 2018.

Recent immigration enforcement has been a concern for many farmers, especially those in the dairy industry. Even the U.S. Department of Labor recognizes this as a serious issue for the nation’s food supply, saying there could be significant disruptions to production costs and it threatens the stability of domestic food production and prices for U.S consumers.

The report noted that the loss of farm employees at crucial points in the growing season, or in the case of dairy farms, at any point in the year, could devastate individual farms.

Report

Federal Impact: New York State Farming and Agriculture

Related Reports

Federal Actions Threaten to Exacerbate Rising Food Insecurity

A Profile of Agriculture in New York State 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Homestead Development Corp. looks to create affordable homes for middle-class buyers

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

February 20 presentation features Peru history

February 10, 6:45 pm, Lake Forest Retirement Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh.  Profiles from Portraits – stories of the remarkable soldiers who were stationed at the Plattsburgh Reservation between 1890 and 1920 as revealed through the portrait collection at the Clinton County Historical Association with military historian Thaddeus Booth Trudeau.

February 12, 2:30 pm, Meadowbrook – Healthcare, 154 Prospect Avenue, Plattsburgh.  Riddle me this!! – Test yourself and learn something new with questions and answers about the County’s rich history with a prize for the winner.

February 20, 12:30 pm, Plattsburgh Senior Center Discovering the Town of Peru. First settled by Europeans in 1772 and established as a town in 1792, Peru’s history timeline reflects how small north country towns were created and developed into thriving villages.

February 24,  6 pm, Advisor’s Room, Beekmantown High School, Haynes Road Entrance, West Chazy. The Golden Age of the Cigar Trade in Downtown Plattsburgh – photos and stories of the men who generated this prosperous local industry. Seating is limited. Call 518-561-0340 before February 24 to reserve a seat.

February 26, 6:00 pm, Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. John Brown in New York: The Man, His Family, and the Adirondack Landscape. The Clinton County Historical Association and the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association are co-hosting a lecture by historian and author Sandra Weber on February 26^th 6:00 pm, at the CCHA Museum, 98 Ohio Road, Plattsburgh.  Sandra presents a compelling talk about her newest book, John Brown in New York: The Man, His Family, and the Adirondack Landscape and offers a fresh and intimate look at the famed abolitionist, focusing on the years of the Brown family’s connection with North Elba, Essex County (1848–1863). The intertwining story of sublime Adirondack scenery, farm life, and racial justice explores John Brown not only as a national figure but as a husband, father, neighbor, abolitionist, and equalitarian. Sandra’s insightful narrative bridges the myth and the man, revealing the tender and tragic heart of the Brown family story.

Skiers will represent the state in Alpine, biathlon, cross-country and freestyle events at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.

Click here for the VTDigger story

Applications Now Being Accepted Until April 15, 2026

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the application deadline for the first of what will be multiple rounds of the Open Space Conservation Grant Program (OSCGP) has been extended to Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

The new open space funding opportunity is designed to support conservation by making $25 million available to land conservation partners to purchase land in New York State for permanent protection. Multiple rounds of the OSCGP are anticipated.

Open space conservation projects protect water and air quality, promote access to green space, provide habitat connectivity and diverse ecosystems, and promote resilient communities for all New Yorkers. Funding for this grant program is provided by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofits, and Indian Nations or Tribes.

Projects must align with the goals of the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and possess at least one of the seven resources identified as priorities in the Environmental Bond Act, including projects that: possess ecological, habitat, recreational, or scenic values; protect the quality of a drinking water supply; provide flood control or flood mitigation values; constitute a floodplain; provide or have the potential to provide important habitat connectivity; provide open space for the use and enjoyment of the public; or provide community gardens in urban areas. All funded projects are encouraged to allow, create, or enhance public access.

Grant applications/bids are due by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Applicants must register in the Statewide Financial System before applying, and nonprofits must also prequalify before the deadline, or their application will not be reviewed. Visit grantsmanagement.ny.gov  for more information.

For full details about the grant opportunity, including project eligibility requirements and scoring criteria, please visit DEC’s website. To view a recording of the webinar about the grant, visit on.ny.gov/OSCgrantwebinar.

For general information on submitting an application/bid or for clarification of bid requirements, contractual terms, and procedures, email dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov and include “Open Space Conservation Grant Program” in the subject line.

Wadsworth Center Has Grown Into the Largest and Most Diverse State Public Health Laboratory in the Nation, Protecting the Health of New Yorkers and Communities Far Beyond State’s Borders

Albany, NYS News Release of 1/26/26 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced construction is officially underway for the planned $1.7 billion state-of-the-art public health laboratory that will transform New York’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to emerging threats. The new Wadsworth Center facility will consolidate five unconnected sites across the Greater Albany area into one single, modern facility, strengthening the State’s ability to effectively respond to future public health threats, support the next generation of scientists, and provide opportunities for collaboration across the country. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Since 1901, the Wadsworth Center has grown into the largest and most diverse state public health laboratory in the nation.

“The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory is a powerful investment in the health of every person in New York State,” Governor Hochul said.  “The lab will allow the State to better predict and prepare for emerging threats to public health and will be one of the most authoritative public health laboratories in the country, impacting public health policy and practice at the state, national and international level.”

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The Department of Health’s new Wadsworth Center Laboratory is testament to Governor Hochul’s commitment to protecting public health by keeping New York State at the forefront of advancements in disease surveillance. This facility will help us ensure our nation-leading public health research laboratory remains on the cutting edge of biomedical and environmental research critical to protecting public health.” 

Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “DASNY is proud to deliver this transformational $1.7 billion project for the Department of Health. As the state’s construction and financing authority, we are committed to building infrastructure that serves New Yorkers for generations to come. This represents one of the most significant public health laboratory projects in the nation, and our team is working closely with our design-build partners to ensure the Wadsworth Center receives a world-class facility worthy of its renowned scientific mission. We thank Governor Hochul for her vision and commitment to this critical investment in New York’s public health infrastructure.” Read more »

Click here for the VTDigger story 

AGENDA – Peru TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING Of JANUARY 27, 2026 @ 6:00 PM

NY State Photo

Historic Expansion Increases Maximum Empire State Child Credit up to $1,000 Per Qualifying Child Under Age Four

NYS News Release of Jan. 26, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers to take advantage of the State’s recently expanded child tax credit, also known as the Empire State Child Credit (ESCC), a refundable credit which can either help offset taxes or be paid out directly to taxpayers as cash back in the form of a refund. 

“The Empire State Child Credit delivers a vital financial boost to New York families,” Governor Hochul said. “Now, after the largest expansion of the credit in New York history, more New Yorkers have access to the credit than ever, which will put money directly in families’ pockets and help make our state more affordable for millions of recipients.” 

Last year, Governor Hochul and the State Legislature took action to enact the largest expansion of the ESCC in New York State history, increasing the value of the credit and making it available to more families:

• For the 2026 filing season (Tax Year 2025), eligible families can now receive up to $1,000 per child under age four and $330 per qualifying child age 4 through 16 years old.
• Next year (Tax Year 2026), the credit for children ages four through 16 will also increase to up to $500 per child and households with eligible children under age four will still be able to claim up to $1,000 per child.
• New York eliminated a longstanding provision that restricted New York’s poorest families from accessing the full credit, also known as the minimum income requirement or credit phase-in, so that these families can now access the full value of the credit as a refund.
• New York also adjusted the credit phase-out, so more middle-class families whose incomes were previously too high to qualify for the credit can receive the credit. The full credit remains available to jointly filing households up to $110,000, but now the expanded credit combined with its gradual rate of phaseout means even a family of four with a child under 4 and a child over 4 with household income of $170,000, who would not have qualified for any credit under the prior program, can now receive over $500 per year. 

These major reforms will drive significant assistance to families with the youngest children and help families across the income spectrum, doubling the size of the average credit for families from $472 to $943.  

If all eligible New Yorkers are able to access this expanded credit, independent research analysts estimate that this one initiative could reduce child poverty by more than eight percent.

You are eligible for the refundable Empire State Child Credit in 2026 if you:

• are a full-year New York State resident, and
• have at least one qualifying child younger than 17 years old as of December 31 of 2025, and
• file a New York State income tax return and provide a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for you and for each child you claim — learn how: www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file 

You can receive the maximum value of the credit if your income is below $75,000 for single, head of household and $110,000 for married filing jointly. 

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for increasing and expanding New York’s Empire State Child Credit. The expanded Empire State Child Credit will provide a much-needed boost to household budgets for millions of families across New York State and will be especially impactful for families with young children who have little or no income. But it’s important that those families know they need to file a New York State income tax return in order to receive the money and that doing so will not impact other benefits they may receive, including SNAP and Medicaid. We will be reaching out to families to make sure they know about this important benefit and ask community partners to do the same.”

For the lowest-income New Yorkers who were previously limited but are now eligible to receive the full credit:

• If you have no income or your income is below $4,000, you do not owe taxes and you can get the maximum credit as cash back by filing a New York State income tax return. 
• If you have more than $4,000 income, file a New York State income tax return to receive the credit. If you do not owe taxes, you can receive the maximum credit as cash back. If you owe a small amount of tax, this credit can pay for that and even provide you with some additional cash.

To ensure as many New Yorkers as possible can access the expanded credit, such as the lowest-income families who would benefit the most, including families whose income is so low they do not have a tax filing obligation, Governor Hochul is taking a whole-of-government approach to raising awareness of the credit among eligible families. For example, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is developing materials to speak more directly to lower-income New Yorkers who receive other benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and who may be eligible for the credit. Findings from a recent national surveyindicate that among American households who had not filed taxes or did so irregularly, 84 percent had participated in at least one other government, including 55 percent receiving SNAP benefits. 

Receiving the Empire State Child Credit will not impact families’ Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, cash assistance or housing assistance. If New Yorkers receiving these programs choose to save their refund, it will not count against asset limits for 12 months.  

The tax filing season for 2026 (Tax Year 2025) opens today Monday, January 26. E-filing is the easiest and safest way to file tax returns, as well as the fastest way to receive cash back from any tax refunds. Those who are eligible for the Empire State Child Credit are also likely to be eligible for free tax filing options available through the Tax Department.

The enhanced Empire State Child Credit is a key element of Governor Hochul’s ongoing Affordability Agenda. Other important elements include: Reducing middle class taxes to their lowest level in 70 years; Inflation Rebate Checks, which last year delivered more than $2.2 billion in direct financial relief to 8.3 million New Yorkers; and, ensuring universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.

L-R Clifford Brown, Mary Jane Baughn, Cassie McGee, Ruth Fischer, Lorraine Heagen, Suzanne Hand, Karin LaValley, Christine Votraw % Jacqueline Lashua. Standing L-R Vera Crosby, Kathy Flynn and JoAnn Manley

Peru, NY – January 26, 2026 – Anyone who has ever visited Apple Valley Senior Housing knows how fortunate we are to have a 30-unit independent living facility in our community. It’s beautifully maintained, and its residents enjoy living there. Eight years ago, Kathy Flynn became Manager at Apple Valley Senior Housing. Now, she’s retiring, and a search for her successor is beginning. 

Kathy Flynn commented, “When I started, I told the residents my primary responsibility is to make sure they feel safe, and that’s what I do. They know they can call me whenever they want, and I’ll be there in two minutes. If I’m not available, one of the board members or someone else will cover for me. Once, when I was away in Connecticut, a resident called about a sewer problem, and we had someone there within an hour. I’m proud of that.”  

Flynn said the best part of the job is getting to know the seniors. “This job is the best-kept secret in the town. I can’t pinpoint one thing that’s best. I think it’s being around the seniors and keeping them safe. I’m also appreciative of having such a supportive and involved Board of Directors. I’ve really enjoyed working with them.” 

The Apple Valley tenants pictured will miss Flynn. Jane Baughn said, “Kathy looks after everyone constantly. If we have a problem, Kathy’s there.” Christine Votraw added, ” It was a great pleasure to be Kathy’s high school classmate (1981). All these years went by then I decided on Apple Valley for my next home, and who the heck was the manager? She has been wonderful. She and her husband, John, are incredible people, and they take care of us at Apple Valley so well!” 

Needless to say, Kathy Flynn wants the Apple Valley tenants to be in capable hands. She pointed out that the previous Apple Valley managers were local people. She said, “We are hoping to find someone local who cares as much about our seniors as the previous managers.” 

As for her future, Flynn is undecided, saying she’ll take it easy for a year. She and her husband, John, hope to make time for some travel.  

Position:Manager, Apple Valley Senior Housing

Permanent 30 hour/week position. Daily hours are flexible and are partially determined by the needs of the job.  

Competitive salary is commensurate to applicants experience with yearly raises based upon review by the Board of Directors.  

Location: Peru, New York

The Board of Directors for Apple Valley Senior Housing is seeking to fill a vacancy for Manager.  The Manger shall be responsible for all phases of the operation of a 30-unit senior apartment complex, including (but not limited to) budgeting, tenant relocations, maintaining buildings and grounds in good operating condition, supervision of part-time employees and experience with QuickBooks (preferred).

Applicants shall have a proven ability in communication, efficiency bookkeeping, computer skills, and supervisory experience in an office setting.  Training and attaining certifications (through National Center for Housing Management) will be required.  Interested individuals must submit cover letter and resume to:

Apple Valley Senior Housing 1 Apple Valley Drive, A-7 Peru, NY 12972 or electronic kflynn@applevalleysh.org on or before February 13^th 

Stuffed Shells in Meat Sauce 

Vegetables 

Bread  

Dessert 

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972. 

All are invited and welcome!

Nine months after the prison guard strike, incarcerated people are being denied early release after not completing programming that they don’t have access to.

Click here for the New York Focus Story 

More than a thousand concerned citizens forced the Adirondack Park Agency’s first formal hearing in more than a decade

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Brilliant Pathways argues New York’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative should be practiced and not just used as inspiration

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac Commentary 

Due to the winter storm, Peru Central School will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026.

• Buildings Closed: All school buildings are closed.
• No Activities: There will be no on-campus activities, including all after-school programs and sports.

According to police, just after 6 p.m. at the intersection of Roosevelt Highway and Coon Road, a car traveling north crossed into the southbound lane, striking the vehicle driven by Lamay

Click here for the WPTZ News story 

Correction: WPTZ contacted the Milton Fire Department and confirmed it is Wendall LeMay, Not Lamay as they originally stated. 

Peru Gazette Editor’s Comment: I suspect the same issues apply to NYSEG 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Beginning 12 a.m. Sunday, All Commercial Vehicles Required to Travel Exclusively in the Right Travel Lane on All State Roads, including the New York State Thruway

At Governor Hochul’s Direction, State of Emergency Remains in Place Statewide

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

January 24, NYS News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on state preparations ahead of a massive winter storm system that has already brought bitterly cold temperatures to the entire state and is expected to bring at least a foot of snow to the majority of the state. Following the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency and activation of 100 members of the New York National Guard on Friday, new travel restrictions for commercial vehicles are being implemented. Beginning at 12 a.m. Sunday, all commercial vehicles will be restricted to only traveling in the right travel lane on all state roads, including the New York State Thruway. Additionally, a travel ban for Long Combination Tandem Vehicles will be in place on the New York State Thruway beginning at 6 a.m. on Sunday.

“New Yorkers know how to handle winter, but it’s critical everyone treat this weather like the dangerous situation it is,” Governor Hochul said. “From bitterly cold temperatures to heavy snowfall that will create treacherous travel conditions, there is no shortage of risks to being outside or traveling during the next few days, so I am urging everyone to be smart and stay home, stay warm, and stay safe.”

The storm is expected to begin impacting the southernmost portions of the state in the early morning hours and then progressively move north to cover the entire state by late morning and early afternoon hours. It is expected to continue until Monday afternoon, with everywhere north of New York City expected to see between 12 and 18 inches of snow, except for Western New York and the northernmost portions of the North Country which may only see 8 to 12 inches of snow. Beginning Sunday evening, there is a chance that snow may transition into sleet in New York City and on Long Island which has slightly decreased the projected snow totals in those areas to the 8-to-12-inch range. Peak wind gusts could reach 35+miles per hour in these downstate areas as well, which will increase the potential for some blowing snow and whiteout conditions, adding to the already treacherous travel conditions expected throughout the duration of the storm.

To support Downstate response operations and local partners, Governor Hochul activated 100 service members of the New York National Guard with 24 vehicles on Friday. Beginning Saturday, they will be staged and ready to help local partners across New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley.

Additionally, as part of the State of Emergency declared by the Governor on Friday, early voting for February 3rd special elections in New York City will be suspended on Sunday, January 25 and Monday, January 26. The State is working with the New York City Board of Elections to extend hours through the remainder of the early voting period to account for the suspended hours.

In addition to preparing for snow and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. New Yorkers also should check out these cold weather tips from the Department of Health; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning; information on the proper use of generators; and safe winter driving tips.

The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:

• Limit outdoor work, provide frequent breaks in warm areas and schedule outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.
• Ensure access to clean drinking water.
• Stay hydrated with warm beverages and avoid drinking caffeine.
• Wear proper PPE, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.

View more information on best practices for working in cold weather.

Extreme Cold Watches, Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued, and New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division’s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with its local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance. State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Emergency Operations Center will be activated beginning Saturday night and the State Watch Center, New York’s 24/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely. The State Fire Operations Center has also been activated.

Department of Transportation
Beginning at midnight tonight, all commercial vehicles will be required to travel exclusively in the right travel lane on all state roads across New York, including the New York State Thruway. Ongoing coordination is continuing with New York State Police, the Thruway Authority, and adjacent states with their own travel restrictions in place.

Regional crews in impacted areas are currently engaged in snow and ice operations and preparations. All residency locations will remain staffed 24/7 throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24/7 to perform repairs and keep trucks on the road.

Nearly 3,700 supervisors and operators are available statewide and are prepared to respond. Staffing in most-affected regions is broken down as follows:

• Mid-Hudson: 558 supervisors and operators
• Long Island: 382 supervisors and operators

Staff can be configured into any type of response crew that is needed (plow, drainage, chipper, load & haul, cut & toss, etc.). 75 Incident Command System personnel are available to support the ICS response to this event.

To support response activities in critical areas, a total of 90 staff, including 72 plow truck operators, 4 supervisors, 6 equipment operator instructors, 2 safety representatives and 6 service technicians; and 2 snow blowers are being deployed. They will be deployed as follows:

• Capital Region

-Receiving 2 equipment operator instructors from the Finger Lakes

• Mid-Hudson

-Receiving 1 safety representative the Finger Lakes

-Receiving 12 operators and 4 equipment operator instructors from Western NY

-Receiving 8 operators from the Western So. Tier

-Receiving 1 safety representative from the North Country

• Long Island

-Receiving 8 operators, 1 service technician, and 1 snow blower from the Capital Region

-Receiving 14 operators, 1 service technician, and 1 snow blower from the Mohawk Valley

-Receiving 8 operators, 1 supervisor, and 2 service technicians from Central NY

-Receiving 6 operators from the Finger Lakes

-Receiving 10 operators and 2 supervisors from the North Country

-Receiving 6 operators, 1 supervisor, and 2 service technicians from the Eastern So. Tier

All staff are currently in travel mode and will be in place by Saturday evening. The need for additional resources (operators, trucks, mechanics, equipment operator instructors) will be constantly re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event.

All available snow and ice equipment is ready to deploy. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1629 large plow trucks (Mid-Hudson: 254, Long Island: 248)
• 149 medium duty plows (Mid-Hudson: 33, Long Island: 17)
• 53 tow plows (Mid-Hudson: 4, Long Island: 1)
• 336 large loaders (Mid-Hudson: 51, Long Island: 36)
• 37 snow blowers (Mid-Hudson: 1, Long Island: 1)

Adequate salt is on hand. Parks and DEC have identified a total of 10 crews to be available for cut and toss missions, if needed. Two Crews will be available in each of the following locations: Southern Tier, Central NY, Capital District, Mid-Hudson, and Long Island. All crews will be on standby starting at noon on Sunday and will remain on standby through COB Tuesday.

Generator stockpiles are being readied to support dark signals. An additional 40 generators are available to support possible needs on Long Island. Additionally, the Department is repositioning a trailer with 25 generators from the Capital Region to the Hudson Valley Region for additional support should it be needed for supporting dark signals. New Yorkers are reminded to treat dark traffic signals as an all-way stop.

Tow services will be provided in the following locations: US 20 (Madison), I-81 (Onondaga), I-390 (Steuben), I-86 (Chemung), NY 36 (Steuben), I-86 (Tioga), I-84 (Putnam), I-84 (Orange), I-684 (Putnam), I-81 (Broome), I-88 (Broome), NY 17 (Broome), I-86 (Broome), NY 206 (Delaware), NY 28 (Delaware), I-495 (Nassau – multiple), and I-495 (Suffolk – multiple). The need for additional tow trucks will be evaluated as the event develops. Additionally, HELP truck beats will be extended in impacted areas.

Department staff is available to support County EOCs as needed for Incident Command System support.

Weather related messages on variable message signs began on Saturday morning in all impacted locations. Messaging will also be used to support real time incidents and vehicle restrictions throughout the event.

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511ny.org/, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511ny.org/, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority
A right lane only restriction on all commercial vehicles will go into effect at 12 a.m. Sunday, January 25 on all state highways including the Thruway system.

Additionally, all Long Combination Tandems (LCV) vehicles will be banned from traveling on the entire Thruway System, including I-87, I-90, I-287, I-190, and the Berkshire Spur, beginning at 6 a.m., Sunday, January 25.

The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 685 operators and supervisors available.Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 333 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 11 tow plows
• 62 loaders
• 114,000+ tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media (X and Facebook) are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway. Read more »

The workers, who typically process applications and check for immigration fraud, have not performed ICE enforcement work before, a USCIS employee said.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Click here for the VTDigger story