Use of Town Tree Chipper at Como Lake Park Saves Thousands In Disposal Fees

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, in collaboration with the Town of Cheektowaga Highway Department, has announced the cleanup of winter debris and tree limbs at Como Lake Park is being aided through the use of a Town-owned wood chipper, resulting in savings of approximately $9,000 to the county. Erie County does not own a machine suitable for the type of chipping necessary at Como Lake Park and had solicited estimates from contractors to handle the work prior to the Town volunteering the use of its machine.

“I want to thank the Town of Cheektowaga, particularly Supervisor Benczkowski and Highway Superintendent Wegner, for their help in getting this tree work done at Como Lake Park. The use of the Town’s wood chipper is helping the county to save thousands of dollars and is a good example of how sharing equipment between municipalities is good for all residents,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Similar arrangements elsewhere have resulted in savings on road and infrastructure improvements and have also demonstrated how good government means efficient use of resources to benefit all.”

“We better serve the people when all levels of government cooperate with each other,” said Town of Cheektowaga Supervisor Diane Benczkowski. “The Town is pleased that we can offer the use of our wood chipper and help save Erie County thousands of dollars. I look forward to working with County Executive Mark Poloncarz in exploring more opportunities where the Town and County can share resources that result in savings for taxpayers.”

“The use of the Town’s wood chipper makes the cleanup at Como Lake Park go faster and at much less expense,” added Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Daniel J. Rizzo. “We will be exploring the possible future use of this machine at other Erie County parks as well to continue this positive trend.”

“Anytime we can help Erie County and New York State save money, we’re on board,” said Mark D. Wegner, Town of Cheektowaga Highway Superintendent. “We all know budgets are getting tighter and tighter, so we need to work together to come up with creative ways to minimize expenses and still deliver the same quality services for our residents. Cheektowaga Highway has worked with Erie County Highway on sewer projects in the past and will continue to do so. When it makes sense, sharing of resources is the right thing to do!”

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/