Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on Resiliency Project to Contain Future Flood Damage in Jefferson County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a $2.4 million project awarded to the Village of Clayton, Jefferson County to address the damage sustained during high water events, as well as eliminate overflows to the St. Lawrence River and help prevent potential health hazards. The funding was provided through the State's Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative, or REDI. The flooding of the St. Lawrence River in 2019 negatively impacted the Village of Clayton Wastewater Collection System and Treatment Plant as well as the Riverside Drive and East Union Street Pump Stations, leaving portions of the infrastructure below water, limiting pumping capabilities, and causing interruption of the disinfection process.

Mitigation measures for this project include converting the existing chlorine contact to an intermediate effluent lift station and expanding the filtration/disinfection building with larger filters and UV disinfection systems to treat the entire plant flow. The Riverside Drive Pump Station wet well will be expanded and dry pit submersible pumps will be installed, with increased capacity in the dry well.

"The continued progress of the REDI program is a testament to what happens when state and local governments work together," Governor Hochul said. "Through these partnerships, we are working hand in hand to ensure local infrastructure is reimagined and redesigned so that when future high-water events occur, New Yorkers living along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River will be prepared and better protected. The Village of Clayton project will do just that by strengthening public health and creating sustainable infrastructure to help ensure continued access to clean water."

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "High water has repeatedly damaged critical wastewater infrastructure along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Today's announcement marks the start of construction on a project that will both repair damage that devastated the Village of Clayton's wastewater collection system in 2019, and improve its resiliency to withstand future flood events. Through sustained investments, New York's REDI program is building communities back better and stronger."

President and CEO, Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Joseph Rabito said, "Working to eliminate overflows into the St. Lawrence River due to flooding, will help protect the health of the waterway and surrounding communities. By providing low-cost financing and grants to New York State municipalities in support of the REDI program, EFC can assist in the protection of critical infrastructure that contributes to the long-term resiliency of our shorelines."

State Senator Patty Ritchie said, "In recent years, the Village of Clayton has experienced tremendous growth, attracting new businesses and visitors looking to experience the beauty of the St. Lawrence River. In order for that growth to continue, we need to ensure sound, reliable infrastructure is in place. I am pleased to see ground being broken on this project, which will not only strengthen the Village's wastewater system, but also protect public health and the St. Lawrence River."

Assemblyman Mark Walczyk said, "If we want to ensure that waterfront communities are prepared to handle future flooding events, strategic investments in the regional infrastructure is the only way to prevent further damage from occurring. Fortifying the Village of Clayton's Water Collection System and Treatment Plant and surrounding pump stations will make a significant difference in protecting public health and keeping our waterways clean."

Jefferson County Legislature Chairman Scott Gray said, "Through the REDI program we have seen positive partnerships with New York State agencies in the shoreline communities in Jefferson County. We are building better through these partnerships, improving and replacing critical assets. Should there be flooding events in the future, Jefferson County communities will be better prepared with stronger more resilient infrastructure."

Village of Clayton Mayor Norma Zimmer said, "On behalf of the Village of Clayton I would like to express our appreciation to the REDI Project staff and NYS for initiating this program, making it possible for us to make these vital improvements to our Wastewater Treatment Plant. Multiple opportunities from the state to improve our infrastructure and transform our Historic District continues to make Clayton a destination and great place to live and work."

In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, REDI was created to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Five REDI Regional Planning Committees, comprised of representatives from eight counties (Niagara and Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Oswego, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence) were established to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns. The REDI Commission allocated $20 million for homeowner assistance, $30 million to improve the resiliency of businesses, and $15 million toward a regional dredging effort that will benefit each of the eight counties in the REDI regions. The remaining $235 million has been allocated towards local and regional projects that advance and exemplify the REDI mission.

Since the creation of the REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 133 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 89 projects in the design phase, 18 projects in the construction phase, and 26 projects completed.

For additional information, project profiles and REDI news, click here.