Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) says New York State is awarding grants to support several local projects that will improve water quality by controlling erosion and reducing pollutants in area waterways. The funding is part of more than $265 million in grants announced across the state. 

“Everyone wants and deserves clean water,” Senator Gallivan said. “The state’s investment in these projects will help local municipalities protect our lakes and streams and better safeguard communities for years to come.”

Local projects include:

-$4 million to implement a shoreline stabilization program to stabilize eroding streambanks at ten sites located in Erie County Parks and Forest properties, including one site with severe coastal erosion at Wendt Beach Park. The project will stabilize 10,000 feet of shoreline and restore 400 acres in the Lake Erie and Niagara River watersheds.

-$388,532 for the Town of Alden to construct a salt storage facility to protect water quality in Ellicott Creek and groundwater.

-$486,044 for the Town of Aurora to construct a salt storage facility to protect the water quality of East Branch Cazenovia Creek.

-$400,000 for the Town of Clarence to purchase a vacuum truck to increase maintenance and cleaning of catch basins throughout the town. The truck will reduce pollutants and improve water quality within the Ransom Creek watershed and tributaries.

-$386,324 for the Village of Alden to purchase a vacuum truck to service catch basins throughout the village. Catch basin cleaning will reduce sediment in the Ellicott Creek watershed and improve maintenance and cleaning operations.

The funding for these projects comes from multiple grant programs administered by the State Department of Environmental Conservation and Environmental Facilities Corporation and investments from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, Environmental Protection Fund, and other sources.

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