Schumer Announces, Following His Push, FEMA Has Agreed To Fund $3.1 Million Needed To Replace Village Of Wellsburg Fire Dept. & Save Local Taxpayers Hundreds Of Thousands -- Senator, Who Has Long Advocated For Wellsburg, Previouisly Urged Feds To Expedite & Approve Additional Fed Funds To Make Village Fire Dept Construction A Reality

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) heeded his call and agreed to provide the additional funds the Village of Wellsburg in Chemung County needed to relocate the Wellsburg Fire Department. Schumer explained that the fire department sustained significant damage in Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Back in 2013, at his urging, FEMA reversed course and approved funding to relocate the flood ravaged facility. As a result, an in initial $2.3 million scope of work was approved, with a 75% federal cost share. However, the project was then slated to cost over $3 million due to unforeseen difficulties with the construction and delays in the timeline. Schumer pushed FEMA to approve the additional funds, bringing the total cost to $3.1 million, to make the relocation of the fire department possible. Schumer first called attention to this shortfall in June 2014 when he requested Administrator Fugate review this situation, pointing out that additional costs would be borne by taxpayers in this rural community if the project cap wasn't raised.

"This is great news for the Village of Wellsburg and the brave first responders who protect local residents every day, but have had to work out of a severely damaged fire station that is past the point of repair. I am pleased FEMA has heeded my request and approved these additional federal funds -- bringing the total cost to $3.1 million -- to make the rebuilding and relocation of the Wellsburg Fire Department possible. Now, the department will be placed in a safe location, away from the flood plain, and construction can begin," said Senator Schumer. "I have long fought for this approval because this department provides an essential service to the community, and could no longer delay the rebuilding this facility out of harm's way. After almost four years since the flooding, I am honored to have worked with the village to get this over the finish line and make sure Wellsburg will have the fire department it needs and deserves."

"It's been way too long and nerve wracking. Finally, with Senator Schumer's help we've moved toward the proper funding for the facility. No one ever thought we'd get this project done. FEMA has listened and it appears that we, the Village of Wellsburg, won't have to come up with any money for this important project," said Mayor Malcolm Coles, Village of Wellsburg.

Source