$20 million coming to Buffalo for winter preparedness, job training

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, $20 million is coming to the city of Buffalo for winter weather emergency preparedness as well as workforce training, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Tim Kennedy announced Wednesday.

"Community Resilience Hubs" containing portable solar kits, batteries, walkie-talkies, backup generators and other emergency equipment will be available across Erie County.

In addition, the $20 million will also be going towards job training in solar installation, energy efficiency upgrades and other trades.

"I am proud to deliver this major up to $20 million federal investment to make neighborhoods across Buffalo more resilient, keep people prepared in emergencies like snowstorms, flooding and heatwaves, and give people the tools to enter clean-energy careers," said Schumer.

Lawmakers are partnering with PUSH Buffalo, CoNECT and Western New York environmental justice groups for this "Buffalo Neighborhood Mobilizations Hubs Plan" for disadvantaged communities.

"No one should be without access to critical support services during an emergency," said Gillibrand. "I'm proud to announce this federal funding, which will help make sure that residents have access to the resources they need during climate-related crises."

The mission of PUSH Buffalo and CoNECT is to support communities disproportionately affected by events such as extreme weather.