Senator Young Secures $350,000 for Town of Hinsdale to Replace Equipment Lost to Fire

HINSDALE – The Town of Hinsdale is slated to receive a $350,000 state grant to help replace heavy equipment and vehicles lost as the result of a catastrophic fire at the Hinsdale Town Highway Department building in February 2018. The funding was secured by Senator Cathy Young (R,C,I-57th District) in the 2018-19 New York State budget.

“Securing grant funds is the best way to replace that needed equipment, while protecting the residents of Hinsdale from an undue tax burden,” Senator Young said. “The fire swept through the town barn, destroying two plow trucks, a tractor, other vehicles and equipment. This funding will go a long way toward their replacement.”

Town Budget Officer Jeff VanDeCar said without the grant secured by Senator Young, Hindsale would have to go deep into debt to replace the lost equipment. He said dump trucks cost around $270,000 to replace.

“We have a capital plan, but we don’t have the cash to go out and spend half a million dollars to replace two plow trucks,” he said. “To replace these trucks it would have taken the entire town tax levy for the year. Senator Young has always been outstanding. With her help, the insurance money and some bonding, we will be able to replace those trucks.”

Mr. VanDeCar said Cattaraugus County and the towns of Olean and Allegany have been helping Hinsdale with snow plowing and equipment since the fire.

Hinsdale Supervisor Monroe Bishop thanked Senator Young for helping the town.

“Senator Young has been a blessing to us,” he said. “She is a down-to-earth person and she looks out for the people in her district, she really cares about us.”

Senator Young said securing the funding was a priority because the services provided by the Highway Department are vital to the community.

“There is nothing more important than protecting the safety of my constituents,” Senator Young said. “Making sure the Highway Department has the tools they need to repair roads and keep them clear of snow is both a safety and a quality of life issue.”