October 15, 2006.
Tonawanda, New York.
A long time resident of the town stated she has never seen devastation this bad before.
STAFF REPORT
Washington, D.C. -- Early Sunday evening, President Bush declared Niagara, Erie, Orleans and Genesee counties federal disaster areas, potentially allowing millions of dollars in aid to be directed here in the aftermath of the freak October snow storm that dumped more than two feet of snow and left 390,000 homes and businesses without power.
Bush’s Emergency Declaration for the state will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin assisting with ongoing recovery efforts. Clean-up and related expenses can now be 75 percent federally funded, with 25 percent in matching funds coming from state and local governments.
The assistance can be used to help state and local governments with debris removal and emergency protective measures designed to save lives, protect public health, and ensure safety and property, according to the White House.
