Press Releases

Legislation Would Help Communities In Western New York, And Other Snow Impacted Regions, Prepare For And Recover From Extreme Snowstorms By Updating FEMA’s Guidelines For Winter Storm Assistance

Kennedy: “We can’t afford to do nothing. The cost is too great.”

Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced legislation, the Support Neighborhoods Offset Winter Damage (SNOW) Act, to update the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster assistance policies to better help communities prepare for and recover from snowstorms.

“Time and again, our communities in Western New York have faced severe snowstorms without the federal support needed to respond. The Christmas Blizzard of 2022 is the latest example of how damaging and deadly snowstorms can be and it’s time for the federal government to step up,” said Congressman Kennedy. “That’s why I’ve written the SNOW Act, legislation requiring FEMA to treat catastrophic blizzards the same as any other natural disaster. This bill will help local governments across the country prepare for, respond to, and recover from extreme snowstorms. We can’t afford to do nothing. The cost is too great.”

"This legislation is crucial for updating FEMA's policies to allow for important federal support to be readily available to local governments impacted by significant winter weather events," said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. "We know here in Erie County the importance of being able to access federal funding before, during and after a major snowstorm or blizzard. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership and vision in providing protection against future catastrophic weather events."

The Buffalo Blizzard of 2022, the deadliest on record, showed that FEMA’s snow assistance policy is outdated, limited in scope, and prevents communities from adequately preparing for, responding to, and recovering from catastrophic snowstorms. Congressman Kennedy’s SNOW Act would bring extreme snowstorms on par with other emergencies and natural disasters in order to access federal assistance. Specifically, the legislation would: 

• Update storm severity threshold to unlock federal funding: FEMA requires record snowfall to qualify for disaster assistance. This bill would update FEMA’s guidelines for approving assistance by incorporating damages, wind speed, wind chill, and the affected area’s real median household income. 

• Provide access to snow removal equipment: This bill would add snow removal equipment to FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program which provides proactive investment in resilience for communities. 

• Help state and local governments recover from storms: FEMA only provides snow assistance for emergency protective measures. This bill would provide assistance to include debris removal, and work on roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, public utilities, public parks, and other facilities. 

• Provide financial assistance to impacted individuals: This bill would expand assistance to individuals when the cost of a snowstorm exceeds the ability of the state to respond or recover. 

• Increase the federal cost share: To better support disadvantaged and rural communities, this bill would increase the federal cost share from 75% federal and 25% state/local to 90% federal and 10% state/local. This would include all communities in New York’s 26th Congressional District, including 

Support for the SNOW Act: 

"As a city and region that has endured some of the most severe snowstorms in recent memory, including the devastating Christmas Blizzard of 2022, we know all too well the significant challenges these events bring," said City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. "Congressman Kennedy’s SNOW Act addresses the need for FEMA policies that recognize the increasing frequency and impact of extreme winter weather that targets our city and region. By elevating devastating snowstorms that affect Western New York into the same response framework as other natural disasters across the country, the SNOW Act ensures our region will receive the support it needs and deserves."

“This region must do all it can to support efforts by Congressman Kennedy and our other federal elected officials to obtain federal resources for local municipalities following winter weather events, that, if those concerned about climate change are correct, will become more frequent,” said Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger. “The 2022 Christmas storm that hammered this region and stole more than 40 lives, left ruin in its wake for families, homeowners, renters and businesses. Winter Storm events need to be recognized similar to how Atlantic Hurricane events are recognized; not by record snowfalls but rather by the financial impact that they have on our local communities.”

"The SNOW Act would help towns like Cheektowaga deal with the impacts of unpredictable snow disasters that dump feet of snow, cause power outages, downed trees, and the need for help to make roads passable in a timely manner,” said Cheektowaga Town Supervisor Brian Nowak. “We cannot afford to have the vehicles of first responders stuck in the roads preventing police, fire, and EMS responding to scenes.”

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