Seward Outlines City Steps On Gilboa Dam

New York State Senator James L. Seward today released the text of a letter he has sent to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg urging the mayor to adopt five key points in an action plan for the Gilboa Dam.

"The city has been appropriately cautious and that's commendable," Seward said. "But going forward, we need to build the new dam on five important blocks in the foundation. Based on the comments, concerns and suggestions from citizens and officials, I have urged the mayor to take the following steps:

1. Secure the assistance and advice of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concerning the dam’s condition and the city’s plan to rebuild it;

2. Draw down additional water to reduce stress on the structure and reduce the likelihood of a failure;

3. Fund local (Schoharie County, village and town) costs of evacuation plans, including personnel and equipment;

4. Insist that the final design of the new dam include plans for flood control and expedite the planned reconstruction of the structure;

5. Agree to pay for flood damage that would result from the dam’s failure.

"I will continue to press these issues with the city until we reach an agreement that will ensure the safety and ease the worries of the residents of Schoharie valley," Seward concluded.

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