Niagara, N.Y. (WBEN) - As Congressman Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26) has more than empathy for Niagara County homeowners whose residences are impacted by long buried radioactive waste, he has amassed clout in Washington and using it to help the homeowners.
"This entire scenario is a nightmare for them," Kennedy said.
Kennedy has assigned his Chief of Staff Adam Fogel and others from his Buffalo office to help the homeowners.
The issue is helping the homeowners, Kennedy said.
That is paramount, he insists.
Lexi Hawk, one of the Town of Niagara homeowners impacted by high levels of radioactive waste found in the backyard and around her Military Park residence, said she appreciates the constant outreach from Fogel and others on Kennedy's staff.
"There has been a lot of communication," Hawk said. "This is, to use, a partisan issue."
Kennedy agrees.
"For these families, their entire lives have up been up ended," Kennedy said.
Kennedy has used his bully pulpit to prod such federal agencies as the EPA, DEC and Army Corps of Engineers to help the families.
Hawk and three other Military Park families have either been relocated or will soon be relocated.
Since the original 121 Niagara County residences have been tested for radioactive waste, the study has been expanded to more than 1,020 homes.
Of that, 730 homes have been cleared. But 39 others need further testing.
That is adding to the level of angst among Niagara County residents, Hawk said.
"We need more communication," Hawk said.
Kennedy agrees.
The Congressman said he is also pressing state and local agencies to offer more help.
"This could happen to any of us," Kennedy said.
"For these families, their entire lives have up been upended"
"For these families, their entire lives have up been upended"
