BUFFALO (WBEN) - On Friday, it was announced that 18 New York counties, including Erie and Chautauqua county, will receive Major Disaster Declaration Assistance stemming from the brutal Halloween wind storm that caused much damage throughout Western New York.
"We expected this federal declaration to occur much sooner than today, but we're gracious that we finally did receive the public assistance program," said Sean Crotty, emergency manager for the Town of Hamburg.
While the town will be reimbursed for a good portion their municipal infrastructure damage and debris cleanup, Crotty noted that this funding doesn't go directly to the homeowners, which presents a problem because the homeowners in the Hoover Beach neighborhood suffered a ton of property damage.
"Unortunately, we're still trying to navigate that, but the Individual Assistance Program has not been approved yet from the federal government," he said.
"This Halloween, our state, from one corner to the other, saw severe damage after being ravaged by heavy rain, flooding and tempestuous winds. This federal aid is absolutely critical to allow these Upstate communities to recover and rebuild – and will ease the burden on New York taxpayers," said Schumer. "I am pleased that the feds heeded our call by agreeing to help these harshly impacted communities with Public Assistance, and I urge FEMA and the administration to immediately unlock Individual Assistance as well to help property owners recover."
"While this is a positive first step, it is past time for New Yorkers to get the help they need to recover, and the Trump Administration must not drag its feet in providing critical aid to individual households as well," said Gillibrand. "With the estimated damage costs of these storms reaching tens of millions of dollars, our communities can't afford to wait any longer. I will always do everything I can to help New Yorkers get the urgent support they need."
