County Executive Notes Progress on Cleanup, Preparations for Potential Flooding 

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Tonight, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Erie County officials to give an update on snow removal efforts following the recent winter storm, along with discussing preparations for potential flooding. In addition, Poloncarz outlined Erie County plans to reconnect motorists with the vehicles they abandoned during the storm.

“Recovery efforts from the storm are moving along and gaining momentum as the snow has stopped, roads are being cleared, and communities are digging out. These snow events bring out our community’s spirit of cooperation and we are seeing that again this time,” said Poloncarz. “It is a big job, and I am asking snow-weary residents to be patient as the snow plows work their way to the residential streets.”

Poloncarz also announced Erie County’s plan to reunite drivers with the vehicles they abandoned on area roadways during the storm. Beginning at 9 AM Saturday, motorists will be able to visit the Erie County website at www.erie.gov to access a spreadsheet of vehicles towed by Erie County-authorized vendors. Vehicles will be listed by license plate, make and model of vehicle, and the location where the vehicle has been towed to. Vehicle owners may then go get their vehicles; vehicles towed by an entity other than an Erie County-authorized vendor will not appear on the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet will be updated as more vehicles are towed. In addition, Erie County will not charge vehicle owners for the cost of towing their vehicles, but rather will absorb the approximately $75,000 in towing fees incurred thus far.

“Erie County is doing all it can to help motorists reacquire their vehicles, and I thank the Department of Public Works for the tremendous job they’ve done in working out the logistics on this,” Poloncarz added. “I encourage motorists to check the website and see if their vehicle is on the list, and then go and get it.”

Poloncarz and Erie County Emergency Services Commissioner Dan Neaverth, Jr. also discussed preparations for potential flooding, noting preventive measures homeowners can take such as checking the operability of sump pumps and making sure that out flow connections are secure. Homeowners who believe they may be at risk for flooding were advised to remove valuables from their basement tomorrow, Saturday November 22, 2014, prior to the melt down of the snow on Sunday. Also, homeowners who experience basement flooding are also advised to not walk in the water as electrical current may be present. Also, the Erie County Department of Emergency Services has been in communication with Towns regarding flooding potential and is ready to deploy assets where necessary, including 25 heavy-duty diesel pumps from the Erie County Division of Sewerage Management, if necessary.