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

Letter

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

SCHUMER TO FEMA: APPROVE TOWN OF NEWSTEAD'S NEW APPLICATION FOR CRITICAL FUNDING TO STABILIZE MURDER CREEK'S BANKS

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

Two Years After Storm, Town's Economy, Structural Viability, and Cultural Resources Still Struggling After FEMA Application Denied

Schumer Supports Second Application for Funds to Prevent Further Erosion of Property Values, Tourism and Commerce

One month after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rejected the Town of Newstead's appeal for funding to stabilize Murder Creek bank, Senator Schumer today urged FEMA to consider the town's second application for the critical funds needed to repair damages left by a 2006 storm. 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. Last month, FEMA denied the appeal in a letter but encouraged the town to update its application and reapply.

"Two years is too long to wait for help" said Schumer. "This process has been going on for longer than necessary and the Village of Akron is suffering. The town has followed all of FEMA's guidelines when reapplying for these critical funds. It is time for FEMA to approve the town's application. 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 appeal for funding 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.

Despite the town's efforts to secure funding, FEMA has continually denied their requests. In its most recent denial, FEMA encouraged the town to update its application and reapply for funding. As a result, the town has submitted a new application for 2009 FEMA funds.

In an effort to secure this critical 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 in support of the town's second application for funds.

Schumer wrote, "With the effects of the October 2006 surprise storm still looming over the heads of Western New Yorkers, I urge FEMA to step up to the plate and answer the Town of Newstead's bid to secure Murder Creek."

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

Dear Administrator Paulison,

I write to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly approve the application 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 applying for the critical grant to stabilize Murder Creek bank, which has experienced significant erosion as the result of the loss of numerous trees due to damage during the October 2006 storm.

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. With the effects of the October 2006 surprise storm still looming over the heads of Western New Yorkers, I urge FEMA to step up to the plate and answer the Town of Newstead's bid to secure Murder Creek. I respectfully request that FEMA approve this worthy application. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
U.S. Senator

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