Owego Apalachin Schools Finally Get FEMA Money

The Owego Apalachin School District is finally getting word that federal money is coming to help it rebuild the administration building and storage facilities that were destroyed in the 2011 flood.The Federal Emergency Management Agency informed the district that it will grant $23,292,504 to relocate the damaged buildings outside of the flood zone.

District staff worked for two years to provide all the required documentation required by FEMA.

The delay in the approval of funding for the project was apparently due to debate about whether FEMA could fund the relocation of facilities over the rebuilding on-site.  

The FEMA money will cover 75% of the cost and New York State has promised to provide the other 25%.

The Owego Apalachin District is currently in the process of building a new elementary school building, elevated above the flood level to replace the building that was also destroyed by Tropical Storm Lee.

Elementary School students have been bussed to other buildings, located in Broome County, since the historic flood.