Emergency Updates

The Town has declared a State of Emergency following widespread flooding Wednesday, July 14,  due to heavy rain.   

Current status:

  • The Rensselaer County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office will be holding a farmer meeting at Hoffay’s Harvest House located @ 489 Sheer Road in Averill Park, NY on Thursday, July 22nd @ 11:00 AM.

    • Representatives from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be on-site to discuss the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) and other applicable programs.
    • Representatives from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will discuss the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and other applicable programs.
    • Representatives from the Rensselaer County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will discuss applicable programs & technical assistance they administer.
    • Representatives from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County will discuss resources for emergency preparedness and response.

    This event is free and open to the public. Farmers and other agricultural producers who have been affected by the recent severe weather and are interested in learning about available USDA resources are encourage to attend.

  • Casella Waste has generously donated two large dumpsters for flood damaged material needing disposal. They are located behind Town Hall near the Town Library. Please, no hazardous material or tires. Please only use the dumpsters if you were impacted by the flood. 
  • The Town of Sand Lake is collecting data on property damage due to flooding. Residents who have experienced property damage should complete the Storm Damage Report form at their name, property address, contact information, and description and dollar amount of damage (even if it is an estimate) 
  • Due to excessive damage, the Sand Lake Pump Track is closed until further notice. On the Town Trails,  Yellow and Blue Trails are passable, but Red Trail is washed out.
  • The Sand Lake Town Library will be closed through Monday, July 19 to rectify water damage. The wi-fi is on at the library and can be accessed from outside the building for anyone who needs it. The Library plans to open for limited access/limited services on Monday 7/19.
  • Rensselaer County has delivered bottles of water to Sand Lake, donated by Hannaford. If you need water, come to Town Hall and take what you need.

Road Updates:
  • All state roads (NY43, NY150, NY66) are passable, some with reduced travel lanes.

  • All County roads are open except Taborton Road, between 43 and Roaser Road, which is closed.  Additional information about county roads is available on the County Facebook page.

  • Oak Hill between Wisner and Taborton Roads will be closed indefinitely. 
  • Parker Road is now open. 
  • Thais Road Bridge will remain closed until it can be more carefully inspected for potential scouring. 
  • The following have been inspected and are deemed useable: Glass Lake dam, First Dyke Road, Second Dyke Road, Johnnycake Lane Bridge, Stop 13 Bridge.
  • Please be aware on the roads throughout the Town of stones and debris and some rough spots where washout areas were filled.

Additional updates will be posted when available.