June, 2007

FEMA Approval Moves Tonawanda Creek Road Reconstruction Forward

I share the frustration of the residents in the northern area of Erie County as they have been inconvenienced by the road closure of Tonawanda Creek Road in the Town of Clarence since its collapse in June 2004.

A series of storms and heavy rain in May and June of 2004 caused a 200 foot section of Tonawanda Creek Road to suffer soil stabilization problems and collapse the roadway.

We knew at that time that this would be a very costly reconstruction. Through the assistance of Congressman Reynolds' office, this situation was declared a federal disaster and was deemed eligible for financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO). State and federal funding is critical in a project of this size as FEMA will contribute 75% and SEMO 12.5% of the estimated $3.5 million to reconstruct Tonawanda Creek Road.

In the fall of 2005, the Erie County Department of Public Works performed a number of soil borings and performed a series of soil stabilization tests and prepared their final Engineering Report. Because of SEMO and FEMA's commitment to funding this project, they were required to review and approve the proposed work prior to advancing the final design.

I am happy to finally report that in a letter dated May 8, 2007 from FEMA, they have approved Erie County's preferred alternative for reconstruction and funding is in place to move this project forward. The County is finalizing their design work on the project and will soon be initiating the bid process with reconstruction to follow.

Although this has certainly been a frustrating and trying couple of years for all the residents and neighbors affected by this collapse, it is good news that FEMA has approved Erie County's plan and work is moving forward on the stabilization and reconstruction of this road.

I would like to thank Congressman Thomas Reynolds, Supervisor Kathleen Hallock, Members of the Clarence Town Board, Highway Superintendent Ted Donner, Town Engineer Joe Latona and County highway officials for their efforts and assistance in dealing with this disaster.

I will continue to keep you updated as this project moves through the final design, bidding and actual reconstruction process. If you have any questions about this or any other issue in County government, please feel free to write or visit me at 8203 Main Street – Suite 4, Williamsville, NY 14221, call my district office at 631-8695, or email me at ranzenhofer@erie.gov.

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