CITY OF OSWEGO, NY – New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the completion of construction on a flood resistance project awarded to Oswego County across the state’s Lake Ontario. Economic Resilience and Development Initiative (REDO).
The project, which included improvements to sections of County Route 89 in the city of Oswego, received nearly $1.3 million in funding. During the historic floods of 2019, the roadway was overwhelmed, forcing emergency closures. Residents were cut off from their homes and emergency vehicles and personnel were unable to get through and were forced to be diverted.
“New York’s REDI program is a shining example of the great work that can be accomplished when state and local governments work together to strengthen our communities and enhance public safety,” said Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.
“These improvements along County Road 89 in the City of Oswego will increase the resilience of an important local road and help ensure it remains open and accessible to residents and emergency responders regardless of weather conditions.”
The completed project will improve roadway drainage and improve public safety by providing a safer road that does not require closure due to flooding. Damage in Oswego County to Route 89 from previous flooding has been repaired, ensuring the roadway will be equipped to withstand storm events in the future.
Flood mitigation measures in this project included:
- Replacing the existing channel with a larger channel to increase drainage
- Resurfacing the roadway and installing stone fill to protect the embankment slopes
- Minor road profile adjustments
The project also included the installation of new guide rails, signs and pavement markings.
“Improvements to County Route 89 in the City of Oswego demonstrate the significant progress Governor Hochul’s administration has made in repairing and building resilience to critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas along the southern shore of Lake Ontario,” Office of State General Services from New York. (OGS) said Commissioner Jeanette Moy. “This work ensures that residents, visitors and emergency responders have safe access to homes and businesses located in communities susceptible to high water levels.”
Reuben R. McDaniel, III, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), said, “The floods of 2019 made it clear that action is needed to address the impacts of flooding. DASNY is grateful to Governor Hochul for his continued commitment to strengthening New York’s communities and is proud to partner with REDI, DOT and local officials to help make the critical investments needed to protect Oswego residents in business now and in the future.”
Senator Patty Ritchie said, “Three years ago, when County Route 89 suffered historic flood damage that forced homeowners and emergency vehicles to take alternate routes, it was clear to me that Oswego County will need state aid to rebuild this important road. The REDI program has been instrumental in helping to ensure that future floods do not leave families cut off from this vital transport network.”
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said, “County Route 89 is a vital community corridor connecting the businesses, students and residents of the City of Oswego. Following the historic floods of 2019, these improvements will provide an important safety net against future natural disasters and ensure that emergency vehicles can safely and quickly access people in need. My thanks and congratulations to everyone who helped secure the grant and facilitate these important upgrades.”
Oswego County President James Weatherup said, “We are pleased to see the completion of the County Route 89 REDI project. The resilience measures in place will ensure Oswego County residents traveling the roadway will have safe passage, even during periods of high water. When state and local government work together, great things are accomplished.”
In response to the widespread pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence, New York State established REDI to increase the resilience of coastal communities and support economic development in the region.
Five regional REDI 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. Through REDI, the state has committed up to $300 million to benefit communities and improve resilience in flood-prone regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence.
Since the creation of the state’s REDI program in spring 2019, 134 local and regional REDI-funded projects are underway, including 46 projects in the design phase, 42 projects in the construction phase, and 46 completed projects.
For additional information, project profiles and REDI news, click Here.
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