Paying for costly repairs in Gowanda

GOWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Following last week's devastating floods in Gowanda, many storm-weary residents are now wondering how they'll pay for costly repairs.

Seven feet of water and muck have taken a toll on Marilyn John's rental property in Gowanda.

Inmates from the Lakeview Correctional Facility are helping her out, but the landlord from Buffalo will need a lot more help down the line.

John said, "I don't have flood insurance because I didn't think I needed it down here, and it's also very costly, and flood insurance only covers so much."

The house next door has a foundation that collapsed from the pressure of the flood waters. The house is condemned and it's owner left destitute.

Gowanda homeowner Craig Taylor said, "It leaves me broke. I got to pay for it out of pocket."

He too has no flood insurance, but says he has never asked anyone for help for anything. Now he may need federal help, if it is made available.

Does he like having to reach out?

Taylor said, "I'm a do it yourself person."

On Friday, New York Governor David Paterson formally asked for special federal assistance, but News 4 has been told it could be weeks before he gets an answer.

Karen Byrne dropped her flood insurance after her mortgage was paid off four years ago. Mold is not growing in her flooded out basement.

Byrne said, "I can move them with my hands."

She can move the loosened concrete blocks that help hold up her house. She knows FEMA has been around the neighborhood, but assessment teams still have not showed up at her house.

Byrne said, "I'm frustrated because I thought FEMA would be here. They were here. They left. I never saw them. I don't think they saw a lot of people in the village, so we're ready for some answers."

Gowanda is making great strides in restoring a sense of normality in the village. The dust, mud and debris on the streets are not nearly the problems they were last week. But property owners need help in a big way to pull their homes and businesses, and lives back together again.

Rescue workers have set up a 24-hour hotline for Gowanda residents who need assistance. The number is 995-2164.

Gowanda residents are still under a boil water advisory Monday night. However, boil water and water conservation orders have been lifted for the Hamlet of Collins.

There is some good news for swimmers. The beaches at Evans Town Park, Lake Erie Beach, Wendt Beach, Bennett Beach and Evangola State Park are now all open. They were closed for nearly a week due to unsafe swimming conditions following last week's wicked weather.