Many of New York's farms were devastated by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. These storms caused tremendous destruction, including severe flooding, soil erosion, structural damage, and crop and livestock loss. This hearing will review both preparedness efforts and state-directed relief efforts, as well as examine the status of the recovery process and suggestions for the improvement of preparedness and state-directed relief efforts going forward.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to ten minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

William Magee
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Agriculture

Steve Englebright
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Governmental Operations

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on agricultural disaster relief and preparedness are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: