Schumer: Project Is First And Goal & On The 1-Yard Line -- I Will Keep Pushing to Get it Into The End Zone
Press Release
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has agreed to a framework with the Village of Gowanda that would finally allow it to repair the Point Peter Reservoir System, which was damaged by the May 2014 flooding. Schumer said this means the project ready for final approval, which is expected very soon. The current estimated cost of the project is approximately $800,000.
Schumer explained that storms in 2014 brought severe rain and flooding to Western New York, including Cattaraugus County and the Village of Gowanda. Roads were washed out, homes were flooded, and public buildings were severely damaged. The Point Peter Reservoir, which serves as the village's main water reservoir, has remained unusable ever since. Village officials had been working with engineers to identify the problems and create a plan to get the reservoir back up and running. While the final application is still going through final reviews and needs final FEMA sign-off, Schumer said this agreement on a path forward brings the project one step closer to getting underway. Schumer therefore vowed to continue pushing until this final approval and funding amount is agreed to, and Gowanda receives the funding they need to rebuild.
"The news that FEMA and the Village of Gowanda have agreed to a framework that will allow it to fund the repair and rebuilding of the Peter Point Reservoir means we are one giant step closer to the finish line. This project is first and goal from the two-yard line -- and I will be fighting tooth and nail to push it across the goal line and make this project a reality," saidSchumer. "When flood waters overtook roads, homes and destroyed this reservoir, it was a huge blow the community. This federal funding -- once given the final stamp of approval that we are pushing for -- will finally allow federal funds to flow into the Village of Gowanda so it can repair its reservoir and guard against damage in future storms."
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