Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "We are thrilled to see the funds come through for Hamburg," said Congressman Nick Langworthy (R, NY-23) when he joined WBEN on Friday.
Hamburg is receiving a grant in the amount of $1.1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Christmas Blizzard of 2022. The town applied for reimbursement.
"A lot of times winter storms don't have the same impact (as other disasters)
because the snow melts. But we had a big overtime bill and there was severe property damage at Hamburg Town Park during the storm," said Langworthy.
FEMA is paying 75% of the damages to the town park.
"The paperwork sometimes take a long time, but the grant finally came through. It takes the burden off taxpayers in the town of Hamburg. It's really good news," he said.
The FEMA funds will be used to repair severe damage to the town park jetty, floating dock pilings, catch basin covers and the driveway to the park.
"We're very fortunate that we are not experiencing some of the things
happening around the country; such as the Carolinas or currently in California."
Langworthy said it's been an extremely expensive year, in terms of disasters.
"Hurricane Helene was epically devastating to the Carolinas. And no one can quite get their head around what we're seeing in California and the cost that will be associated with that," he said.
"We send an awful lot of money to places around the world to solve other peoples' problems, we really have to be there to take care of Americans first."