WNY Legislators Call for Emergency Funding to Assist Storm Recovery

(Buffalo, NY) A bipartisan group of Senators and Assemblymembers are calling on Governor Cuomo to issue a disaster declaration and provide emergency funding to assist communities impacted by recent tornadoes and flash floods.   

The Legislators — Sen. Patrick Gallivan, Sen. Christopher Jacobs, Assemblyman Sean Ryan, Assemblyman Michael Kearns and Assemblyman David DiPietro — represent communities in Erie and Wyoming counties hit hard by severe weather earlier this month.  Areas impacted by tornadoes and flooding include Hamburg, Holland, Orchard Park, Attica and Bennington. 

In a letter to the governor, the Legislators cited extensive damage to homes, businesses, trees, power lines and roads.  They are seeking financial assistance for residents and local governments to help pay for the extensive cleanup and recovery efforts. 

The letter states:  “The National Weather Service has confirmed three tornadoes struck the region, including two in communities that we represent.  An EF2 tornado with winds of 110-135 mph hit the Town of Hamburg and an EF1 tornado with winds of 95 mph was recorded in the Town of Holland.  In addition to the tornadoes, Western New York was also hit with heavy rains on July 13 and July 20 that caused flash flooding throughout Wyoming County, especially in the towns of Attica and Bennington.” 

A copy of the letter is attached.