FRANKLIN COUNTY LEGISLATURE
355 West Main Street, Suite 409
Telephone (518) 481-1641
Malone, New York 12953
Fax: (518) 481-1639
COUNTY OF FRANKLIN
STATE OF NEW YORK
A DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
A State of Emergency is hereby declared within the jurisdiction in the County of Franklin, State of New York, for the period beginning at 3:00 p.m. on May 23, 2023 and will continue to remain in effect for thirty (30) days or until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2023. This will be reviewed prior to its expiration to determine if an extension should be considered.
This State of Emergency has been declared to address the concerns associated with the expiration of the Title 42 Order at 11:59 p.m. on May 11, 2023. Pursuant to Sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Services Act and the implementation of Regulation at 42 C.F.R. 71.40 on August 2, 2021, the Director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Public Health Reassessment and Order Suspending the Right to Introduce Certain Person from Countries where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists (the “Title 42 Order). The Title 42 Order currently prohibits the migration into the United States by “covered noncitizens” traveling from Canada or Mexico who would otherwise be introduced to a congregate setting in a port of entry or U.S. Border Patrol Station at or near the U.S. land and adjacent coastal boarders. Franklin County has over 34 miles of border with Canada and three border crossings in Ft. Covington, Trout River and Chateaugay, NY whereby there is a high probability of an influx of individuals who may be seeking shelter.
The Title 42 Order along with the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration expired simultaneously. This increases the probability of increased migration into the United States, resulting in the arrival of individuals to Franklin County.
Franklin County consistently rates in the top ten poorest counties in New York State and is not equipped to meet the needs of those individuals who may be looking to enter the United States at the border crossings in the County. The arrival of an increased number of individuals will further challenge the limited resources currently available to meet the needs of the existing population. There is potential that this is a scenario which could create a disaster emergency which could threaten the health and safety and could result in the loss of life and/or property.
On Tuesday, May 9th, Governor Hochul issued Executive Order No. 28, “Declaring a Disaster Emergency in the State of New York” until at least June 8, 2023.
Local emergency orders may be promulgated by the Chair of the Board of Legislators in accordance with Article 2-B of the New York State Executive Law during this State of Emergency. This Emergency Order would be issued in order to protect life and property and allow emergency and municipal personnel time to bring the emergency conditions under control.
To view a signed copy of this order, click here.