Letter to R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Letter

Letter to R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency

SCHUMER TO FEMA: TOWN OF NEWSTEAD HAS WAITED FAR TOO LONG FOR CRITICAL FUNDING TO STABILIZE MURDER CREEK'S BANKS - URGES AN EXPEDITED DECISION TO SECURE FUNDING

Historic Village of Akron, Located in Town of Newstead, Suffered Serious Erosion Along Bank of Murder Creek in the Wake of October 2006 Snowstorm

Three Months After Town of Newstead Appealed for Funding to Protect

Town's Economy, Structural Viability, and Cultural Resources -- FEMA Has Yet to Respond

Schumer Ratchets Up Pressure to Prevent Further Erosion of Pro

Three months after calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to immediately grant requests for aid, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today ratcheted up the pressure and urged FEMA to expedite its decision and deliver the crucial funding to stabilize Murder Creek bank in the Town of Newstead. The Village of Akron, located within the Town of Newstead, suffered greatly under the weight of a strong October 2006 snowstorm known as Lake Storm Aphid. FEMA turned down the town's initial appeal for help in May of this year, and the town re-appealed for the much-needed funding in July to prevent a dramatic erosion of property values, tourism and commerce in the historic town. Despite repeated requests, the Village of Akron still has not received notification of a decision by FEMA to deliver the funding.

"Three months of waiting for a decision is three months too long. FEMA's hemming and hawing just won't do - the Village of Akron is a cultural and economic gem in Western New York and it needs these funds to sustain these resources," Schumer said. "FEMA should stop dragging its feet and issue a decision on this appeal. The Town of Newstead needs answers now so it can move forward with this important project. I will continue fighting for this much-needed funding until we have stabilized Murder Creek's banks."

The October 2006 snowstorm, otherwise known as Lake Storm Aphid, hit the Town of Newstead and Village of Akron heavily, uprooting numerous trees and causing many more to collapse under the weight of the unprecedented snowfall. This loss of trees caused significant erosion along the bank of Murder Creek, which runs alongside Akron's village center, dangerously close to many historic buildings.

Left alone, the erosion could threaten the structural viability of several blocks of historic downtown Akron, whose buildings date as far back as the early 1800s. Businesses like the Bag and Barrel, the Bank of Akron, Guys sub shop and Akron Pharmacy could be at risk. If left unabated, the destabilization of Murder Creek will erode property values, tourism and commerce in Akron.

This summer, FEMA turned down the Town of Newstead grant application under the Section 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, in order to secure the banks of Murder Creak. The town has already committed $200,000 in local reserves as its 25% share for this much needed project.

The Town appealed the denial of funds and Schumer - in a personal letter to FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison - called for a swift reversal of FEMA's decision and urged the federal agency to quickly deliver the much-needed funding to the town.

Three months later, The Town of Newstead and Schumer's office has not received official notification of a decision by FEMA.

In an effort to secure the funding and stabilize Murder Creek's banks to protect the property values, tourism and commerce of Akron, Schumer wrote a personal letter to FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison calling for an expedited decision as the Town of Newstead looks towards Fiscal Year 2009.

Schumer wrote, "With the effects of the October 2006 surprise storm still looming over the heads of Western New Yorkers, it would be a mistake for FEMA not to step up to the plate and answer the Town of Newstead's bid to secure Murder Creek. I kindly urge FEMA to expedite the decision of this worthy application."

A full copy of the Senator's letter is below:

R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street S.W.
Washington, D.C 20472

Monday, October 6, 2008

Dear Administrator Paulison,

I write to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expedite the decision on the appeal of the Town of Newstead, New York, for a grant under the Section 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The historic Village of Akron, located within the Town of Newstead, suffered greatly under the weight of the October 2006 snowstorm, otherwise known as Lake Storm Aphid. The town is appealing FEMA's denial of this critical grant to stabilize Murder Creek bank, which has experienced significant erosion as the result of the loss of numerous trees due to the damage of October 2006 storm. The deadline for submission of 2009 Section 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds is quickly approaching, and the Town of Newstead needs to hear of a decision by FEMA in order to adequately plan for a 2009 submission if necessary.

The loss of trees during this devastating storm has already resulted in the destabilization of several hundred feet of the Murder Creek embankment and has the potential to reap drastic erosion at the south side of Main Street in the heart of Akron village center. The erosion could threaten the structural viability of several blocks of historic downtown Akron, whose buildings date as far back as the early 1800s. Businesses like the Bag and Barrel, the Bank of Akron, the Guys sub shop, and Akron Pharmacy could be at risk. If left unabated, the destabilization of Murder Creek will erode property values, tourism and commerce in Akron.

I fully support the Town of Newstead's bid to secure the banks of Murder Creek in the village of Akron. The town has already committed $200,000 in local reserves as its 25% share for this much needed project. The town needs to move forward with this project, and an expedited decision by FEMA is a necessary step in this process. With the effects of the October 2006 surprise storm still looming over the heads of Western New Yorkers, it would be a mistake for FEMA not to step up to the plate and answer the Town of Newstead's bid to secure Murder Creek. I urge FEMA to expedite the decision on the town's appeal.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

U.S. Senator

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