Resiliency Projects Breaking Ground in Cayuga and Monroe Counties

March 2, 2021 - Then-Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the start of construction on a $2.7 million project, the first of three projects awarded to the Town of Sterling, Cayuga County, through the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. The existing storm drainage system on West Bay Road, which in its current form consists mainly of roadside ditches, is not adequate to transport storm water during high water events. The roadway consistently experiences localized flooding, impacting vehicular travel and the structural resiliency of the pavement. This project will help reduce flooding on West Bay Road, and in the process enhance the safety and resiliency of the roadway for residents and emergency vehicles.

In addition, mitigation measures in the project will consist of installing 1.8 miles of storm water collection system along West Bay Road and construct bio-retention basins to infiltrate, store, and filter the rainwater, in the process mitigating flood risks along the roadway.

“These resiliency projects selected by the REDI program further the state’s commitment to revitalize and protect our Lake Ontario shorefront communities,” then-Governor Cuomo said. “Through this state and local partnership, these projects increase public safety, protect wildlife and their habitats, fortify critical infrastructure and safeguard the local economies from the uncertainties of Mother Nature.”

Governor Cuomo also announced that construction has begun on a $1.2 million resiliency project awarded to the Town of Irondequoit, Monroe County. The Bay Village Wastewater Pump Station has been identified as at risk due to its susceptibility to flooding and damage during high water events. The existing pumps at the wastewater pump station are undersized for the new wet weather flows which could result in a sewage backup upstream or potentially into residents’ homes. In addition, the pump station is at the end of its useful design life, which made complete replacement necessary.

“Shoreline communities along Lake Ontario have faced tremendous challenges in recent years due to flooding and the impact of climate change, but New York continues to lead the way in helping them build back better, smarter and more resilient for the future,” then-Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Our top priority is protecting the people who live in these communities and these two projects in Cayuga and Monroe Counties will help mitigate flooding, enhance safety and create a sustainable infrastructure.”

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Project mitigation measures include the complete replacement of the existing pump station and associated underground piping to service more than 120 condominiums and increased pump capacity to accommodate for expansion of the sanitary sewer system. As we work together to combat global climate change through the REDI commission and other initiatives statewide, it’s highly important that we make targeted investments that have a lasting benefit to local communities and their residents. These REDI projects will harden infrastructure, mitigate flooding and assist local communities in combating the rising waters of Lake Ontario for years to come.”

State Department of Environmental Conservation Basil Seggos said, “Increased water levels on Lake Ontario have threatened shoreline communities and infrastructure. Through the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative, New York State agencies are working together to invest in these communities and identify, reimagine, and rebuild at-risk assets, and in doing so strengthening local economies, ensuring public health, and safeguarding vital infrastructure. DEC is proud to work with communities like the towns of Irondequoit and Sterling to advance important projects that help them recover and prepare for future risks.”

Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, “Enhancing public safety and building resiliency against future flooding are the key ingredients to Governor Cuomo’s successful REDI projects. The work that has begun on West Bay Road in Sterling is yet another example of the Governor’s commitment to making improvements that will benefit waterfront communities along Lake Ontario.”

Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, “Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s REDI initiative, we are helping Lake Ontario communities revitalize their waterfronts and strengthen resiliency against future flooding. New York State agencies are working in partnership with local communities like the Town of Irondequoit to implement long-term solutions to help improve resilience to extreme weather events and protect the health and safety of all New Yorkers.”

State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Governor Cuomo understands how important the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative is to protecting critical infrastructure and sustainably rebuilding our shoreline communities. The Bay Village Wastewater Pump Station project will not only mitigate the damage that can be caused by flooding, but it will help to enhance the region as a whole.”

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Patrick Murphy said, “The project to replace the pump system and associated flood mitigation measures at the Bay Park Village Wastewater Pump Station will ensure residents are better protected against potential damages caused by future severe weather events. Thanks to Governor Cuomo and the diligent efforts of people at all levels of government working together to address current and future severe weather impacts, New York’s infrastructure has greater resiliency against natural disasters.”

In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, then-Governor Cuomo created REDI 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.

Senator Samra Brouk said, "This new REDI Pump Station project in Irondequoit will bring much-needed improvements to the existing pumping equipment in Bay Village, providing essential protection against damage due to high water levels. The public health of the Irondequoit community and the water quality in Irondequoit Bay depend on projects like this one, and I applaud the Department of Environmental Conservation for their investment in our community."

Assemblyman Sarah Clark said, “I am thrilled to see this investment here in the 136th District. Upgrading the Bay Village Pump Station is an important measure to improve our wastewater infrastructure resiliency and ensure that waterways are clean and accessible. Further, dependable and reliable wastewater collection will help stabilize property values for impacted Irondequoit residents. This project will help ensure that Irondequoit Bay remains a healthy, and cherished destination for members of our community. I am grateful for the work of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and REDI for their continued efforts to bolster and improve infrastructure along Lake Ontario.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Spearheaded by Governor Cuomo, the countless REDI projects across our state are bound to drastically help the many residents who live on the shores of Lake Ontario and more. Replacing the existing Bay Village WWPS will have extraordinary public health and water quality benefits and provide protection against damage from high water levels. I am greatly appreciative of the proactive measures being taken to protect our lakeshore residents and improve overall infrastructure."

Sterling Town Supervisor Scott Crawford said, “The project breaking ground on the West Bay Road is critical to the residents of Sterling. Through the Governor’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative the storm water collection system along the roadway will be replaced and upgraded, mitigating future flooding and road closures, and ensuring the safe passage of residents.”

Irondequoit Town Supervisor David Seeley said, “Providing a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges of a changing environment is a vital responsibility of local government. The new Bay Village Pump Station increases our system’s efficiency and capacity to mitigate high-water events and will help keep our waterfront businesses and recreational facilities safe and accessible to all our residents. I am grateful to Governor Cuomo our Legislative delegation and all our partners in government for their leadership on this project and their continued support of Irondequoit’s families and businesses.”

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