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Ulster County committee backs governor’s request for USDA disaster aid after spring freeze
Summary
Committee adopted a memorializing resolution supporting Governor Hochul’s request for a USDA secretarial disaster designation and federal assistance for farms damaged by the April 20–26 freeze; sponsors described widespread, severe crop losses and urged rapid federal action.
The committee on June 2 adopted Resolution 342, a memorializing resolution endorsing Governor Hochul’s request for a USDA secretarial disaster designation and urging prompt federal agricultural relief for farms affected by the April 20–26 freeze event.
Sponsor Legislator Donovan described touring farms in her district and said some growers reported catastrophic losses. “Following the devastating spring frost that impacted farms across Ulster County and the Hudson Valley... this frost represents catastrophic crop loss and uncertainty about what comes next,” Donovan said, urging the committee to support the request to USDA.
Legislators added themselves as cosponsors and recounted damage levels; one legislator said damage ranged “from 70 to 100%” on some orchards and estimated about 6,000 acres of orchards in the county, calling federal intervention essential for affected operations that lack insurance. The committee approved the memorializing resolution by voice vote.
Next steps: Resolution sends a formal message of support for Governor Hochul’s request to federal officials; further county outreach to affected farmers was discussed informally during the meeting.
