BUFFALO, N.Y. — We know our community suffered because of the deadly holiday blizzard as lives were lost across Western New York.
But they were also storm-related costs, which were crippling to local governments.
Now our two U.S. senators from New York State say they have our backs as they have pledged to get Washington to give us our fair share.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer told reporters Wednesday that "blizzards qualify, hurricanes qualify, floods qualify. You got to reach the $36.5 threshhold."
That is $36.5 million in qualified blizzard damage and costs, which the state of New York must submit to FEMA and the White House to get that funding.
But also, what about the November lake effect blast that also paralyzed the Southtowns under six feet or more?
"The head of FEMA is actually someone from New York City. I've worked with her closely," Schumer said. "We're going to do everything we can to get as much money as we can. I don't know if they'll allow folding in, but if that will help us there, we may not need it. I think we'll reach the $36.5 (million) without it, but we're going to fight for the money for both storms."
Gillibrand, who was also present along with the Erie County Executive and Mayor of Buffalo, says it's a strong case.
"We've also seen how an emergency response system can get crippled so quickly because of whiteout conditions. We saw how snow removal was so difficult," Gillibrand said.
However, Schumer acknowledges potential DC delays. That is even after President Biden already approved the initial $5 million emergency declaration request from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
"You have to submit very detailed analysis, and sometimes the bureaucrats take too long," Schumer said.
And what could be covered? Storm-battered municipal equipment? Even broken fire hydrants on some East Buffalo streets?
Schumer replied: "All of that would be covered by the FEMA major disaster declaration."
2 On Your Side also asked Schumer if individuals could seek some assistance for any storm-related costs. The ranking Democrat said not specifically from FEMA. But he added there might be some flexibility and they could seek other federal funding sources to see if some of those costs could be covered just as happened with 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy relief response downstate.
Finally, the Senate Majority Leader was asked what if other states would push-back.
"California has come back many more times. They've had many more fires," Schumer said.
Reporter: "And you're going to see to that?"
Schumer: "As majority leader, my job is to do everything I can for New York, and so far so good."
What's not so good is the Federal 1988 Stafford Act requires a 25 percent match for any federal disaster funding from local governments, and Gillibrand worries they could get tapped out, so there was some talk about changing that match to lighten the local cost load.