Tornado relief funds for W. Spfld

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Commonwealth has given more money to West Springfield, to help expedite the clean-up process after the June 1st tornado.

If you look around the city's downtown area, there are still clues left behind indicating that it was hit.

Skip Demerski, who lives off of Main Street, is one of the many residents still trying to rebuild from that day. "It has taken us quite a bit longer because we've had some issues with the insurance company...so we only have so much money", Demerski told 22News. The roof of his home was ripped off by the funnel cloud, which he saw coming towards his neighborhood over one year ago.

Right now the biggest concern he shares with other tornado victims, is the press for time. Demerski has to finish rebuilding within the deadline of the government programs that are helping him out financially. Residents also say they're trying to hurry with the repairs on their home before the winter hits.

Meantime, there's good news for the city of West Springfield. It has just received a grant of over $141,000 from the state to help it further continue the clean-up process in the public areas. This money will be used to repair sidewalks and curbs, replace street signage, clean storm drains, and remove more trees and debris.

On Tuesday morning, Secretary Rick Sullivan, of the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, joined Mayor Greg Neffinger to announce the plans. He assured that the state will not stop here when it comes to helping. "This is not the end. We will continue to be involved in these communities; and if there are needs that arise, we will sit down and try to devise a plan to help the cities and towns meet those goals of their rebuild", said Sullivan.