FEMA grants extension
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Six months - that is how long the Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted for further removal of trees damaged from the October 2006 storm.

That will allow the Town of Amherst more time to access and remove hazardous trees.

"Erie County's contractor will be back the first week of December to remove any more 'Charlie Brown trees,'" Highway Superintendent Bob Anderson said.

Residents can request a review of any trees located near their homes on town property. To report a tree that appears damaged, dying or dead, call 631-7117 or e-mail the address to Check- MyTree@ amherst. ny. us.

"We are encouraging people, now that the leaves have fallen, to check for destruction and damage," Anderson said.

The town was notified of a six-month extension granted by FEMA, which means the cost of removing trees damaged by the storm will be reimbursed.

Anderson said retaining the contractor through Erie County has been extremely beneficial to the town because of its cheaper rate. The contractor is charging $141 per tree, and Anderson estimates the average rate is $700- $1,000 per tree.

"This is saving taxpayers over a $1 million with this contractor," Anderson said.

FEMA has not yet made a decision on whether the cost of stump grinding will be reimbursed.

To date, 250 trees will be removed the week of Dec. 3-7. Anderson said that number could increase if residents call in more trees.

The total of trees removed following the storm is approximately 3,500.