Buffalo, New York - Mayor Byron W. Brown announced today that the City of Buffalo is in possession of six snow plows from the New York State Thruway Authority, thanks to a partnership between the City of Buffalo and the Authority. Here is a link to the video: https://vimeo.com/871481837
Mayor Brown said, “I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, NYSTA Chairperson Joanne Mahoney and NYSTA Acting Executive Director Frank Hoare, for helping to add to our City snow fleet. With supply chain issues still occurring across the country this unique partnership will allow us to get these six snow plows on our streets for this coming winter.”
The six snow plows provided from NYSTA’s designated fleet surplus arrived today. The plows will remain under the ownership of the Thruway Authority and the City of Buffalo will be responsible for performing all normal operating, routine maintenance and repairs. They will be returned to the Thruway Authority to be surplused as originally planned when the City of Buffalo is no longer in need of them.
Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “We see the loan of these six plow trucks as a win-win for the Thruway Authority and the City of Buffalo. It’s a great example of government entities working together to enhance services for the City and its residents. We thank Mayor Brown and the City of Buffalo for their continued partnership and commitment to safety as we near another winter season.”
Additionally, four new snow plows were previously purchased by the City of Buffalo, at a cost of over $900,000, are scheduled at this point in time to arrive before the end of 2023. That will add 10 more pieces of fleet snow fighting equipment for the upcoming winter season. In addition, the Buffalo Fire Department recently unveiled Engine 2, purchased at a cost of $775,000, as well as a new Aerial Ladder, purchased in February of this year at a cost of $1.8 million.
“As Buffalonians, we know how quickly the weather can turn,” said Buffalo Common Councilmember Christopher Scanlon. “I want to thank Governor Hochul and Mayor Brown for collaborating on an issue that is vital to our residents. This equipment will assist us in our snow fighting efforts while we await recently purchased additions to our snow fleet.”
DPW Commissioner Nate Marton said, “The DPW is grateful to our friends at the NYSTA for their support of the City’s snow fighting response efforts as we continue to add and upgrade our own City fleet. These surplus plows will be put to good use this winter as we look to protect our residents this coming winter. This collaborative team approach is a win-win for both the NYSTA and the City of Buffalo and we continue to focus on partnerships with the NYSTA, the NYSDOT and Erie County.”
In addition to the snow fighting equipment arriving this year, the City of Buffalo will release its Winter Snow Plan by the end of this month in conjunction with the Winter Task Force that Mayor Brown formed following last December’s blizzard.