BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced she has requested a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden to assist the communities impacted by the December blizzard.
The governor also requested direct funding to cover funeral expenses and crisis counseling for Erie and Niagara County residents. 47 people were killed as a result of the blizzard in Western New York.
A major disaster declaration secures funding to local governments and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.
Just after the storm hit Western New York, Hochul announced that President Biden approved her request for an emergency declaration. This declaration supported response and rescue operations throughout the event and is different than a major disaster declaration.
In addition, after the lake effect snow storm in November, President Biden approved Hochul's request for an emergency declaration for several counties.
University district council member Rasheed Wyatt said this request is critically important for the city. He said he believes the blizzard cost the city between $10-15 million.
"It’s critically important that we get every nickel and every dime, especially when it’s something that we didn’t budget and it was unexpected," Wyatt said.
This declaration would secure federal funding primarily through FEMA which would then be given to local governments, but to receive assistance from FEMA counties must meet certain criteria. In an interview with 7 News in early February, Erie County Legislator April Baskin said leaders have to look deeply at FEMA’s policies to make sure it’s realistic and reflects people’s needs.
"47 people died in a blizzard and you’re telling me that FEMA has to assess and look at if we qualify for support that’s a policy that clearly outdated and out of touch," Baskin said.
"I have submitted a formal request to President Biden to secure a Major Disaster Declaration to support communities across New York impacted by the devastating winter storm that hit our state in December. Federal assistance will support my administration's ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers continue to recover from this once in a generation storm."
"This historic storm began as a statewide event with a complex forecast of snow, ice, strong winds and extreme wind chill. These conditions created a nearly two-day blizzard in the Buffalo area that became hazardous for pre-positioned emergency responders, snow plows, and utility crews to navigate. Our team was proud to work alongside all of our emergency response partners involved in the event and I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul to help our communities recover."
“The Governor’s request provides compelling documentation of the damages and expenses associated with the blizzard. We are working in coordination with the Governor’s office and members of the federal delegation to fully support the state’s request for federal funding. And we are urging the President and Federal Emergency Management Agency to approve this request and release additional resources quickly.”
Thank you @govkathyhochul for submitting this FEMA request. I urge @POTUS to quickly approve the declaration and grant the City of Buffalo critical funding for recovery and rebuilding after this once in a generation storm. https://t.co/DCiVnkwwVJ
— Byron W. Brown (@MayorByronBrown) February 24, 2023