LYONS – Assemblyman Brian Manktelow R,C,I Lyons has asked Gov. Andrew Cuomo to make sure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is prepared to offer quick flooding assistance for communities, residents and businesses along Lake Ontario.

“As Assembly representatives of communities that have been devastated by Lake Ontario flooding, we applaud your efforts through the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative and the first conference that you held in Rochester,” Manktelow wrote. “However, we remain deeply concerned everything will be in place to ensure that money is available quickly. There should be no unreasonable waiting time for actual assistance to arrive.”

The letter, which was sent July 10, was also signed by Assemblyman Mike Norris R,C,I, Lockport; Assemblyman Stephen Hawley R,C,I Batavia; Assemblyman Peter Lawrence, R,C,I Greece; Assemblyman Mark Johns, R,C,I Webster; Assemblyman Will Barclay R,C,I Pulaski, Assemblyman Mark Walzyck R,C,I Watertown and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush R,C,I Black River.

“We have heard from many local constituents worried that the timeline for funding, while well-intentioned, could be held up if money from FEM does not get released promptly,” Manktelow’s letter continued. He asks Cuomo to immediately make the request for any funds that the state expects to get from the federal government to assist localities, individuals and businesses.

“Seeking immediate help and receiving immediate relief is not the same thing,” Manktelow wrote. “Well-intentioned plans, partnerships and committed funding aren’t worth much if the money itself is not appropriated and work has to wait. Developing a plan is critical, but actually having the money in hand for fast distribution is essential to any effort.”