OGDENSBURG -- An Emergency Response Mobile Command Center with officials from the Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and the Department of Financial Services will be at the Dobisky Center until 8 p.m.

DEC officials will provide on-site permitting and work with property owners to address erosion, offer technical guidance and provide on-site emergency permitting to residents. This DEC assistance will augment the insurance help already being provided by the Department of Financial Services insurance help available to residents affected by the flooding.

Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a State of Emergency in Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wayne counties in order to expedite repair to impacted structures and construction of shoreline stabilization projects. Additionally, at the governor’s direction, a coordinated Lake Ontario Rapid Response Team was sent to the region which includes experts from the State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Police and Office of General Services, along with city and county agencies.

At the Mobile Command Centers, DEC staff will help answer questions on the Storm Recovery General Permit, describe the specific types of repair and stabilization work authorized, and provide assistance in completing the application form. In certain instances, based on the available information provided by applicants, DEC will provide permits on-site or expedite further review and field visits necessary to issue permits. To obtain the required authorization under this General Permit, residents should come prepared by reading the General Permit and Application Instructions; determine whether or not the proposed work is within the scope of the General Permit; fill out the Application for General Permit GP-0-17-006 and provide drawings, plans, photos (if available) and a location map.

As part of the Lake Ontario Rapid Response Team, DEC has also deployed a team of experienced coastal engineers to Lake Ontario to meet with property owners, conduct site visits and offer technical assistance. DEC’s engineers stand ready to work with property owners so that protective structures can be repaired and homeowners can take appropriate actions expeditiously.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management continues to coordinate with county and local partners in monitoring the rising levels of Lake Ontario and additional resources from state stockpiles have been shifted to locations in Monroe county in the event that conditions worsen. To date, more than 1 million sandbags have been deployed to affected communities to help mitigate flooding.

Those who are not able to visit the Mobile Command Centers can call the Department's Disaster Hotline at 1-800-339-1759, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 p.m. for help with insurance-related issues.