Sunday’s wind storms left a path of destruction that has not been seen in this region in decades. Lakefront Boulevard in Dunkirk resembles a war zone. The new pier sustained minor damages. Point Gratiot is in disarray.

Many residents also went without power while National Grid worked quickly to get everyone back online. Branches and trees limbs litter many regions and need to be picked up.

Our greatest gift –the Lake Erie waters — was our worst enemy over this weekend. Winds whipped to nearly 70 mph making for an angry Great Lake.

For some, the cleanup is massive. Through all this, unfortunately, Dunkirk has little clout.

Why? Because in a $24 million city budget, there is no wiggle room. What we have here — all these great attractions and features — come from state and federal investment, not local dollars.

Our fair city is not alone. Everyone in Western New York, including its largest city of Buffalo, relies on money from elsewhere. A problem with that, however, is what is staring us in the eye. How do we move forward with improvements when the state and federal government have no money to give?

A cleanup and repairs to the seawall will come, but how long will it take? We’re financially strapped here — and so is just about every other governmental agency.

After a horrific wind storm, what many may need now is patience. That comes with no price tag attached.