The December blizzard devastated the western New York Community; however, we saw so many that responded with kindness and bravery in the face of such tragedy. I can’t say enough about our first responders, emergency service providers, volunteer fire departments, and snowmobile clubs, as well as the highway and public works departments that left the safety of their own homes to answer the call. I want to thank them for all they did to assist the many residents in need.
From this storm it became evident that we must do better to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. As such I have spearheaded the effort to hold committee meetings at the Erie County Legislature to discuss how the County can improve its response for the next winter storm. Many of the volunteers who pitched in bring a level of expertise on how best to navigate the elements and respond as safely and quickly as possible, and they deserve a seat at the table in this conversation. Their input and ideas are necessary to making needed improvements.
As Western New York residents know, winter storms and lake effect snow events do not geographically discriminate. The impact of these weather events is broad and all of Erie County is impacted in some way. I am proposing we redirect some of the $178.4 million American Rescue Plan Omnibus Spending Package to go towards the purchase of equipment that can better respond to the harsh conditions. The Administration’s proposed spending plan unveiled in June 2021 was partisan in its approach, with some areas, like the district I serve, receiving less than one percent of the federal funds. In fact, the hastily put together spending plan even allocated millions of dollars to organizations that had no need for the designated funds. There was even a $2.36 million award for a museum in a community that had no intention of building that museum. As a result, the town rejected that funding. Money is available to improve Erie County’s emergency preparedness with zero impact on your taxes.
The $178.4 million American Rescue Plan Package does not have to be allocated until 2024. As such it was not necessary to designate every dollar immediately. The impact of the December blizzard shows there are many needs and many ways that all Erie County residents can benefit from this federal funding. My aim is to use some of that money to purchase equipment that will allow Erie County to better assist our rural, urban, and suburban communities.
We need to develop a strategic response to be better prepared for future storms. We can accomplish that by bringing together Erie County Emergency Services, Erie County Public Works, first responders, the volunteer fire companies, snowmobile clubs and others with the expertise needed to analyze what we can improve upon and devise a plan for implementation.
I want to once again thank all those who stepped up and pitched in to help their neighbors in a time of need.
