Ortt, Morinello, And Norris Request Emergency Flooding Assistance

Robert G. Ortt

July 23, 2021

Today, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assemblymen Angelo Morinello and Mike Norris sent a letter requesting immediate coordination between the New York State Office of Emergency Management (SEMO) and the cities of Lockport, Niagara Falls, and Niagara County regarding recent flash flooding in Western New York. On July 20, severe rainstorms caused a significant amount of damage throughout Niagara County.

“The torrential rainstorms that passed through our region earlier this week have had a devastating impact on local infrastructure, residents, and businesses,” said Sen. Rob Ortt. “While our emergency services and first responders did a magnificent job with initial emergency efforts, there will be larger and longer-lasting infrastructure issues that must be attended to. I am requesting immediate coordination from the State’s Office of Emergency Management to assist our local governments, and my office stands at the ready to help in any capacity we can.”

“I am joining my colleagues to bring attention to the devastating flooding that occurred earlier this week for the residents and municipalities of Niagara County,” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello. “Thus far, we have had swift and responsive communication with local departments and first responders in the immediate aftermath of this week’s storms. I look forward to continuing my work with our state agencies to provide further assistance to our residents as the full extent of the disaster is uncovered in the coming days.”

“It is critical for the residents, businesses, farmers, and municipalities of Lockport and Niagara County to receive immediate emergency financial resources who suffered devastating losses due to the damaging flooding this past week,” said Assemblyman Mike Norris. “That’s why I am working together with my fellow colleagues to urge that an immediate state emergency declaration be issued and for federal and state agencies to act quickly to assist Niagara County in this time of need.”

###