Governor Cuomo Announces NY Works Projects to Restore and Repair Flood Control Systems and Dams in Western New York

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a $17,064,000 investment for NY Works projects that will allow for 31 flood control system and dam repair projects in Western New York.

New York Works is designed to reinvent state economic development with innovative new strategy that will put New Yorkers back to work rebuilding the state's infrastructure. The Task Force will help create tens of thousands of jobs by coordinating comprehensive capital plans, overseeing investment in infrastructure projects, and accelerating hundreds of critical projects across the state.

"For the second year in a row, New York State has passed a transformative and balanced budget that holds the line on spending, while focusing on job creation and government efficiency," Governor Cuomo said. "The centerpiece of this budget is the New York Works program, which will help rebuild our aging infrastructure, including our dams and flood control systems, to protect people and property throughout our state."

State Senator George Maziarz said, "Investing in flood and dam repair funding is an important piece of the budget that I am glad was not overlooked. This funding will bring much needed repair to the aging infrastructure of dams and for flood control. More importantly, I am pleased that the inclusion of this item in the budget will bring a significant number of jobs to the area."

State Senator Catherine Young said, "Protecting life and property is paramount, and the dams that are hazardous and pose a serious threat need to be repaired. Through New York Works, our region is receiving the necessary funds for restoration of these facilities. My thanks to Governor Cuomo for recognizing the significance of these projects and for working with the Senate and Assembly to ensure appropriate funding."

"Through the NY Works program, investment in flood control projects in Cheektowaga and Lancaster will help protect the lives and properties of the many residents who live along the creeks and streams running through my district,” said Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak. "These funds will help to stimulate our local economy, spur job creation and revitalize the region."

The Budget continues the Governor’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state. It closes a multi-billion dollar deficit with no new taxes, fees or gimmicks, limits spending growth to two percent or below for the second year in a row, and launches the NY Works Task Force to invest billions of dollars to rebuild the state's roads, bridges, parks, and other infrastructure and create tens of thousands of jobs.

The Budget includes key economic development and transportation initiatives, important reforms to improve government efficiency, and measures to strengthen communities across the state.

NY Works Task Force

The NY Works Task Force will coordinate capital plans across 45 agencies and authorities, oversee investment in projects and access to funding, and facilitate the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.

Prior to the NY Works initiative, there was no comprehensive state plan for the $16 billion in annual capital expenditures by 45 state agencies and authorities. In some cases, including with respect to projects by the Port Authority, the MTA, and the Department of Transportation, billions of dollars of taxpayer or commuter funds are being used to fund transportation plans in the same region with no coordination between the agencies. For the first time, the NY Works Task Force will develop a coordinated capital infrastructure plan among agencies and authorities. The Task Force, made up of leaders in finance, labor, planning and transportation will also recommend financing options for projects and methods to accelerate construction of critical infrastructure.

The NY Works Task Force will consist of fifteen members. Nine of the members will be appointed by the Governor and six by the Legislature. All major state agencies and authorities will participate in an implementation council to coordinate capital planning.

All NY Works projects will be posted on the web with real-time updates so that New Yorkers can track the progress of projects in their community. The full list will be posted online over the next several days.

Repairing New York's Dams and Flood Control Infrastructure

The state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) maintains 106 flood control projects, of which 91 have been rated "minimally acceptable" or "unacceptable" by the Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, DEC owns 577 dams statewide. Of the DEC-owned dams, DEC engineers classify at least 24 dams as "high" and "intermediate" hazard structures, where failure poses serious threat to human life or significant property damage. The New York Works Funds will designate $102 million, leveraging more than $100 million in matching funds, to repair aged and otherwise failing structures. The $102 million will include $18.5 million to repair state-owned dams, $56 million to perform maintenance of flood control facilities such as levees, and $27 million to implement coastal erosion and inlet navigation maintenance projects, plus over $100 million in matching funds.

The NY Works dam and flood control projects in Western New York are as follows: