MassDOT May Send Crews to Assist With NY Snow

Crews from Massachusetts may be on their way to New York to help snow affected areas dig out.

Crews from Massachusetts may be on their way to New York to help snow affected areas dig out.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation may send 12 front-end loaders and supporting personnel and equipment. Whether or not aid is sent depends on if New York State confirms the need for assistance.

New York State made the request for help Wednesday following the storm, which dropped over five feet of snow in some places and was blamed for at least seven deaths.

Frank Depaola, acting secretary of MassDOT said about 20 highway personnel might be sent as well. He said MassDOT would expect to be helping for about four to five days.

He said Massachusetts would absorb the costs and that there will possibly be reimbursement if the government declares a state of emergency.

He added that the New England states and New York have a cooperative relationship and that states will provide support to each other.

More snow is expected to hit Thursday.

Many vehicles traveling through the area have been stranded, unable to move through the heavy snow.

A bus taking the Niagara University Women’s Basketball team back from a game was stranded for 30 hours after their bus became stuck.

Trucks carrying broadcasting equipment for this weekend Patriot’s game in Massachusetts are also stuck, and crews say it could impact the broadcast if they don’t make it out soon.

MassDOT crews will have about a six-hour trip to make it to New York. It is unclear where exactly they will be stationed once they get to the Buffalo area.

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