“DOT is a statewide organization, so, as a matter of practice, when storms hit various parts of the state we routinely move our assets and people around the state to help the impacted areas,” said Gina DiSarro, a NYSDOT spokeswoman for Region 8.
NYSDOT’s Region 8 is sending in 114 staff members and 73 pieces of equipment to assist Region 5 's snow maintenances efforts in Buffalo. Region 8 covers the Hudson Valley and consists of Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Columbia counties.
This includes staff from the NYSDOT's two residencies in Valhalla, Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A & Dana Road), and Katonah, 85 Route 100, as well as other garages throughout Westchester.
DiSarro said 31 people and 16 pieces of equipment have been deployed from the Valhalla and Katonah locations.
“In the past, Region 8 has received support from other regions to assist with cleanup in the immediate aftermath of weather-related emergencies,” DiSarro said.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this has been the NYSDOT’s “largest deployment of its kind ever.”
Cities and towns near Buffalo have received as much as 6 feet of snow in the last week and may get hit with an additional 1 to 3 feet of snow, according to NBC News. The storm has been linked to eight deaths, collapsed roofs and has trapped some in their cars and homes.
Click here for photos of Buffalo’s snow removal effort.
“DOT personnel have been working cooperatively with other state and municipal agencies to help clear the roads in the Buffalo region,” DiSarro said.
The department has moved 199 plows and 446 operators and supervisors from around the state into western New York, as well as borrowed three large snow blowers from Connecticut, according to the governor’s website.
A total of 347 plows, 880 operators and supervisors, 36 loaders and 17 large blowers will help combat the storm. The National Guard also will assist.
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