President Joe Biden announced federal disaster relief for New York state late Monday after a severe winter storm left at least 27 people dead in the Buffalo area and thousands more without power. Specifically, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been authorized to coordinate efforts in the greater Buffalo metro area. Biden spoke with Governor Kathy Hochul late on Monday night to offer “the full force of the federal government” to support emergency efforts in the state. “My heart is with those who lost loved ones this holiday weekend. You are in my and Jill’s prayers,” Biden tweeted earlier in the day. The associated Press has the story:
Biden approves emergency relief for NY after blizzard
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP)
President Joe Biden authorized federal support for New York state late on Monday night after a severe winter storm left at least 27 people dead in the Buffalo area and tens of thousands of residents without power, the White House said in a statement.
The emergency declaration was requested by Gov. Kathy Hochul and will provide federal assistance to impacted areas and assist with recovery efforts.
According to the news release, the City of Buffalo announced that President Joe Biden signed an emergency declaration Monday for Buffalo and surrounding areas.
The emergency declaration was requested by Gov. Kathy Hochul and will provide federal assistance to impacted areas and assist with recovery efforts.
“I would like to thank President Biden for signing the emergency declaration. I would also like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for the quick response and for her continued support with the recovery process,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. “This has been a very difficult and dangerous storm. Our crews are continuing their work to clear the streets and assist residents. I want to thank our community for their continued patience and cooperation as we work to get through this together.”
The City of Buffalo also announced Monday that city hall will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 27 due to the blizzard conditions that hit the region over the holiday weekend.
The city said as crews continue to plow main, secondary, and residential streets, in some cases, haul snow away, there are still some streets that are inaccessible to traffic.
Due to that, the travel ban in the City of Buffalo is still in place. The ban will allow plow crews more time to continue their work to clear streets throughout the city. It will also help emergency responders continue to reach residents that need help.
The city said that the blizzard has claimed the lives of at least 20 people in the City of Buffalo. Mayor Brown advises residents to stay in their homes as clean-up efforts continue.
