Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Allegany and 8 other New York counties have been approved for a federal major disaster declaration following severe storms and flooding in May that caused serious damage. Governor Andrew Cuomo says he’s pleased that President Obama has responded to his request, and that the declaration will bring much needed federal financial aid to communities that saw some of the worst flooding they’ve seen in decades. More than 6,500 homes and businesses were without power and more than 130 families experience significant property damage during the storms that started May 12. A state of emergency was declared the Village of Gowanda. FEMA’s preliminary damage estimate shows that the state and counties spent more than $28 million in response and recovery efforts. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

It’s been three years since flooding damaged buildings and more in Gowanda, but the village still has not received all the money it was promised from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Today, US Senator Chuck Schumer urged FEMA to pay out $1.2 million to pay for infrastructure repairs. He says the village had to take on a $5 million bond anticipation note to pay for repairs, but the delay in getting reimbursement from FEMA has forced village officials to roll over their bonds to cover costs. He said unlocking the remaining $1.2 million immediately would keep Gowanda from accruing unsustainable debt. Schumer said he understands FEMA is busy with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Gowanda needs the money now, too, and deserves it without further delay. For more on this story go to Schumer's website . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Bradford City Fire Department has received a grant of nearly $127,000 for operations and safety programs. The money is awarded by FEMA though the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. This is the 13th round of grants for Fiscal Year 2009. ~~~~ WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Arlen Specter (D-PA) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded $333,626 to three fire companies in northwestern Pennsylvania for vehicle acquisition and operations and safety. “Firefighters are invaluable members of the community and they work tirelessly to ensure our safety. It is critical that we do everything in our power to provide them with the necessary tools and resources to perform their jobs,” said Senator Casey. “This money will provide valuable assistance to the fire departments of northwestern Pennsylvania.” “These fire prevention and safety programs will help protect the citizens of Pennsyl...

Star Hose Company in Port Allegany has received a $19,000 grant from FEMA, under the Department of Homeland Security. This is the 11th round of grants awarded for fiscal year 2009 in the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced a $53,913 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Tri-Town volunteer Fire Company. The grant comes under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Tri-Town Fire Captain Mike Healy said, “We will use the money for personal protective equipment, like turnout gear, for 25 firefighters who are the most active and take part in interior fire attacks.” “It is absolutely crucial that firefighters have the right protective gear,” said Thompson, who is a qualified volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. “This grant will make that a reality for Tri-Town.” Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

The Eldred Borough Fire Department is receiving $27,389 from the federal government. Federal funds are awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, administered by FEMA under the Department of Homeland Security. Senator Bob Casey announced the grant today.

Back in March, the Bradford City Fire Department was hoping to get federal grant money to build a new fire station. They didn't get it. Earlier this month Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants were awarded to dozens of fire departments across the country, and Bradford wasn't one of them. The fire department wanted to the new building because they say the current station is beyond renovation. http://www.firegrantsupport.com/afscg/awards/09/

More federal aid is on the way to Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties. This time, it's going to homeowners, renters and small business owners to help them clean up after flooding early last month. Earlier this week, FEMA approved aid to local governments to help them pay for costs related to response and cleanup.

ALBANY - After the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted aid in the form of public assistance to counties affected by the August floods, Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C – Olean) today was joined by flood victims, and state, local and town officials in Silver Creek to urge FEMA to issue individual assistance to affected areas to help cover the extensive damage and to aid those who lost their homes. “We appreciate FEMA’s quick response in calling for the limited emergency declaration, but people who have been flooded out of their homes or business have nowhere else to go and need additional support to meet their basic needs,” said Sen. Young. “It is critical that FEMA coordinates with federal and state agencies to assess the urgency of additional funding to assist in the ongoing response and repair efforts for everyone who was affected by this devastation.” After the President declares a disaster area, aid from FEMA comes in two parts, although they typically are approved sim...

Governor David Paterson is urging FEMA to authorize individual assistance for the Western New York communities affected by flooding early last month, and has called on the state Congressional delegation to work toward the same goal. On Tuesday, President Obama declared Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties eligible for federal disaster assistance for emergency work, repairs and replacements to the flood-damaged roads, bridges, and other public properties. Paterson is asking that FEMA approve assistance to homeowners, renters and small businesses in those areas. from the NY governor's Web site