New York Governor Kathy Hochul has sent snow removal personnel and equipment to Massachusetts to help with the state’s response to a major winter storm that brought over two feet of snow to parts of southeastern Massachusetts. The deployment comes after Massachusetts requested assistance through official channels.
The New York State Thruway Authority, Department of Transportation, and Power Authority provided the support while keeping resources available for ongoing snow removal operations in New York. Personnel and equipment remain on standby across New York in case local needs arise.
“I am grateful to all of our first responders and snow removal staff who have worked tirelessly throughout this historic blizzard to keep impacted communities in New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to their efforts, we are well-positioned as snow removal efforts continue in New York, and stand ready to support Governor Healey and the people of Massachusetts as they continue their recovery efforts.”
The Thruway Authority sent 10 large dump trucks along with 16 personnel, including operators, supervisors, and mechanics. The Department of Transportation deployed 58 staff members—operators, supervisors, management staff, safety representatives, and fleet staff—and 69 pieces of equipment such as loaders, skid steers (some with blowers), trailers, trucks, minivans, service trucks, and a recruitment trailer. The Power Authority contributed two lowboy tractor trailers for transporting heavy equipment.
This aid was coordinated under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which allows states and territories across the U.S. to share resources during emergencies. EMAC ensures that participating states can send help across borders while protecting deployed personnel and providing reimbursement for mission-related expenses.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary stated: “When this week’s historic storm sped up the East Coast, Massachusetts was hit even harder than New York. While we are still digging out in some places, we are happy to have team members bring extra resources to help our Bay State neighbors.”
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare added: “In the wake of the massive nor’easter that impacted our neighbors to the east, the Thruway Authority is proud to join Governor Hochul and other state agencies in supporting the recovery efforts. New York State agencies work together seamlessly during emergencies, and this is another example of that partnership in action. We stand ready to assist our regional partners whenever needed. That’s the true meaning of neighbors helping neighbors.”
Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said: “The Nor’easter that pounded the east coast this weekend left record snowfall in its wake, impacting numerous states. When New York is facing an emergency situation head on, neighboring states regularly reach out to offer a helping hand. That outreach is always appreciated and when the opportunity does arise, Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation are always happy to return the favor and offer our assistance in the form of people power, technical expertise and state-of-the-art equipment. New York State DOT’s snow and ice forces and equipment will soon be on the ground in Massachusetts, helping our friends and partners at MassDOT clear the roads as quickly as possible and restoring a path to normalcy for our neighbors across the Bay State.”
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said: “We at the Power Authority are always ready, willing, and able to help our neighbors in need. Although some places in New York had 30 inches of snow, our neighbors in Massachusetts had even more accumulation. The Power Authority will be supplying transportation equipment and operators who can help move heavy snow removal equipment to where it is needed in Massachusetts.”
New York has previously assisted other states through EMAC deployments—including sending canine teams after floods in Texas last year—and has provided hundreds of emergency management staff after hurricanes affected several southern states.