Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that legislation he authored establishing an Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force charged with developing measures to improve flood management was signed into law (Ch. 448 of 2017). The law also creates an accompanying grant program administered by the state Canal Corporation.
“It’s no secret that flooding has become more common and more severe in Central New York, which is why it was imperative that we take action to protect our communities,” said Stirpe. “The flood task force will help us proactively address this issue and develop measures to better shield our homes and businesses from the effects of natural disasters.”
While seasonal flooding during the spring is an annual occurrence for some communities, its frequency and magnitude have increased in recent years. Flash flooding during the spring and summer months has also become more common, with damaging consequences. Due to strong thunderstorms last June, several Central New York communities experienced flooding multiple times in one month.[1]
The Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force is required to produce a comprehensive study within six months examining flood control study sectors and issues related to floodplain management, debris management and flood control and mitigation. This study will help determine how to best utilize the flood mitigation grant program and fund projects that prevent and alleviate future flooding, noted Stirpe.