The Town Board met by emergency session twice in the last 24 hours to discuss emergency response to the recent rain storms. We will continue to monitor throughout the day. As the storm begins to wind down, we wish to update residents. As of this morning, we have zero weather-related injuries to report.
The Ghent Highway Department and Highway Superintendent Ben Perry did a great job keeping our roads clear and passable. As of this morning, only Arch Bridge Road and Hickory Hill remain closed, and are expected to be opened within hours of this post (32 roads countywide remained closed as of yesterday). With the heavy wind damage and downed trees from earlier this month, some culverts needed debris clearing, and the amount of rain strained even our well-prepared drainage systems. It was clear all the work the Highway Department does throughout the year to keep roadside culverts clear paid dividends, as flood waters rose. The Town Board thanks the entire team for their hard work and diligence.
The Ghent Volunteer Fire Company #1 serviced approximately 30 homes yesterday, mostly responding to flooded basements and other water related issues. We await an updated report from West Ghent Fire Company, but we know they were also working hard yesterday. We had several residents volunteering their time and equipment to help their neighbors. The Town remained in regular communication with department officials throughout. The Town thanks all the firefighters and volunteers who demonstrated once again their commitment to our town.
The County has issued a press release about Rapid Recovery Microloan Assistance for Flood-Impacted Businesses. That release is attached herein.
As the rain subsides this evening, and we take a pause from pumping basements, clearing culverts and monitoring rising waters, we are reminded that our community always comes together to answer the call, and we are grateful to have such a strong bond amongst neighbors.