Lackawanna Daily: Funding, Deep Freeze and Safety Notes
Lackawanna, NY — February 8, 2026 — State funding for city projects, bitter wind chills and continued safety alerts headline a quiet weekend in the city.
After a quiet couple of days for breaking news, Lackawanna heads into the weekend with big funding news still resonating, bitter cold hanging on, and a few important safety reminders for residents.
State funding boost for city projects
State officials recently committed hundreds of thousands of dollars in capital funding to support key projects in Lackawanna. The plan would direct about $500,000 toward upgrades to streets, rights-of-way and public works equipment, giving city crews newer tools to maintain roads and respond to storms more efficiently.
The package also includes roughly $100,000 for restoration work at the historic Carnegie Library, ensuring the landmark building can continue serving residents well into the future. Another $50,000 is earmarked for kitchen renovations at Firehouse #3 on South Park Avenue, a quality-of-life improvement for the firefighters who staff the station around the clock.
City leaders say the investments are part of a broader effort to modernize aging infrastructure while honoring the city’s industrial history and strengthening basic services.
Deep freeze and blowing snow
Lackawanna is waking up to some of the harshest wind chills of the season. Early Saturday readings near zero degrees, with wind making it feel well below zero, follow a stretch of steady lake-effect snow across the Buffalo Southtowns.
Residents should continue to watch for slick spots on side streets and sidewalks, especially where blowing snow has reduced visibility. Cold-sensitive neighbors, including seniors and young children, are encouraged to limit time outdoors and check that home heating equipment is working safely.
Ongoing public safety reminders
The city’s Department of Public Safety continues to highlight several standing advisories. Officials are urging residents to make sure house numbers are clearly visible from the street so police, fire and ambulance crews can find addresses quickly during emergencies.
Animal Control and public health officials are also maintaining a rabies awareness campaign after past local cases in wildlife. Pet owners are reminded to keep vaccinations up to date and avoid handling injured wild animals; concerns can be reported to the SPCA or county health department.
The city continues to promote its confidential police tip line for information about crime, along with the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency.
Looking ahead
No major new incidents have been reported in the city over the past 48 hours, but winter weather and long-term rebuilding efforts remain the backdrop for daily life. As new details emerge on the state funding package and upcoming construction timelines, residents can expect more opportunities to weigh in on how these investments shape Lackawanna’s next chapter.
Sources
- https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/april-baskin/senator-april-baskin-commits-state-funding-infrastructure
- https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/%405123718
- https://lackawannany.gov/
- https://lackawannany.gov/public-safety/
- https://lackawannany.gov/government/fire-department/
- https://lackawannany.gov/development/