$40,000.00 GENERATOR
Recently a $30,000.00 maximum grant was applied for by Buffalo’s FEMA contact person for a large industrial generator.
The generator is to be used in the event of an emergent situation where Buffalo might be without electricity, to operate the municipal water supply for Buffalo residents. This would allow for Buffalo residents to continue to receive vital Doby Springs water supplied to each home or business in the event of a major power failure.
The Town of Buffalo Trustees voted and a quorum agreed that the Town will pay their portion of the grant to allow for the purchase of a generator which meets the needs of the water supply and pumping facilities.
Buffalo’s share is 25% of the grant amount. Therefore, Buffalo has to come up with $7,500.00 as their share of the grant moneys to complete the grant request. The Town Board, however, was notified that it was improbable they could locate and purchase a generator for $30,000.00.
The Town Board continued it’s discussion regarding the FEMA grant and it’s portion of funding and finally reached a resolution.
Buffalo Oklahoma’s Town Trustees decided to up the ante’ a bit by approving an additional $10,000.00 for the generator purchase meaning that up to $40,000.00 may be spent for the generator. $17,5000.00 is the maximum sum the Town will need to match their 25% portion of the grant.
Editor's Note:
This article is a reprint from the January February Inside Buffalo Magazine. Since that magazine came out we have had many inquiries and comments regarding this article.
Most commenters say that spending $17,500.00 is not a good thing to do right now. Buffalonians want the main issues from the CIP addressed. They want the sewer issues resolved and they want their water supply system with its asbestos/concrete pipes replaced and they want other things fixed before spending up to $17,500.00.
More than one person spoke of when the generator would be used. All agree that most likely it would be after an event such as a tornado or during freezing weather, after an ice storm.
Think about what these people are saying. After an ice storm, with no electricity to run gas or electric furnaces, the chance of frozen pipes is evident. They don't want the Town pumping water into their unheated homes with a strong chance of bursting pipes and causing severe damage.
Secondly, after a major disaster, again pipes will be broken, leaks would be occurring, and the thought of high pressure water is disconcerting.
Just something to think about.
