Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R,I,C-Gowanda) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will award $18.5 million for the relocation and rebuilding of Tri-County Memorial Hospital. Giglio has worked with U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer on this initiative to get construction of the hospital, which was damaged by floods in August 2009, fully funded and in a secure location that will ensure local residents’ access to the hospital.

“I commend the Federal government for finally making a decision on this very serious matter,” said Giglio. “As a community, everybody worked together to achieve this goal. The area residents deserve nothing less. I was proud to have worked with Federal, State and local officials to get the results received today.”

Tri-County Memorial Hospital was severely damaged by flash flooding, which rendered the hospital unusable, in August of last year. As a result, the hospital was no longer able to care for patients, which put about 200 employees immediately out of work.

“Rebuilding and relocating Tri-County Hospital is important for the well-being and medical care of the surrounding communities because of the many services provided there,” said Giglio. “Having the hospital closed for this long has hurt this community and the local economy. Now that the project has been approved, we can rebuild and continue to care for patients and the community at large.”