BUFFALO, N.Y. — As we once again mark the one-year anniversary of the Christmas weekend blizzard, there is still technically unfinished business on a plan to bring some crucial resources into Erie County's storm response efforts.
2 On Your Side found out that some feel there are lingering issues that could hamper the use of specialized snow transportation equipment.
We have seen the dramatic videos and pictures of large snow, trail-grooming machines operated by local snowmobile clubs, which transported hospital nurses and others to destinations and safety during the December 2022 blizzard.
But just like the mountains of snow they could overcome, there are the legal issues to surmount in order to bring those machines Erie County's collective response fleet.
Rick McNamara is treasurer of the Erie County Federal of Snowmobile Clubs.
"A year ago we were into the storm, and a year later this is really unique and still on the table right now," McNamara said.
McNamara referred to the operating agreement or memorandum of understanding between the snowmobile club federation and Erie County government to press those $200,000 to $300,000 specialized machines into potentially lifesaving service in future storms.
The county executive's office has in recent weeks put out a revised memorandum of understanding after a previous effort failed because of liability and cost reimbursement concerns.
An Erie County spokesman contends that has been resolved. But there is still no formal vote of acceptance set for the legislature as attorneys and insurance officials still hammer things out.
"We need everything down to details so there's no issues later on. It's harder to go backwards," McNamara said. "Before we go forward, let's make sure we got every, like you said, the T's are crossed and I's dotted, and we know where we stand, and they know where they stand."
McNamara added: "We're just looking to comp those amounts that will cover fuel, maintenance, repairs on those equipment pieces. "
But he also wanted to make clear that it's not a question of any cost-driven commitment or willingness to serve.
"In the Western New York area, there's 500 miles of trails," he said. "We run on private and public property. It's a great sport, but in time of need, we're one of the few people that can jump in there and help better than anybody else out there."
And as GOP county lawmaker Chris Greene said to reporters on Thursday, "Hopefully the more the sunlight shines on this issue the more and quicker it will get resolved."
There is some state parks department funding through the statewide federation for the local clubs with use of these groomer machines and other equipment. But they really just want to lock down the liability and cost points.
There may also be a push to get a towed cab on these big groomers, which could transport up to ten additional stranded people to safety.