SENATOR AMEDORE AND ASSEMBLYMEMBER FAHY ANNOUNCE FUNDS FOR MAJOR GUILDERLAND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

Senator George Amedore and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy today joined Guilderland Town Supervisor Ken Runion to announce they have designated the Town of Guilderland to receive a capital grant of  $2.5 million to help construct a stormwater management system to mitigate drainage issues and alleviate persistent and repeated flooding problems within the town.

The Hamlet of McKownville within the Town of Guilderland has for many decades experienced chronic stormwater drainage issues that lead to severe flooding, major damage to homes and businesses, and has negatively impacted property values. More than 500 residences experience flooded yards and basements several months of the year. In addition, flooding occurs frequently on Route 20 by Stuyvesant Plaza, which serves as a major thoroughfare in the Capital Region.

"We've all seen what happens to Western Avenue during a bad rain storm -- flooded roads, stranded motorists, and public protection resources used to redirect traffic. What we don't always see are all the frustrated residents who are dealing with repeated damage, flooded basements and yards, and decreasing property values. It's important that we continue to make improvements to our infrastructure, but when the existing infrastructure is failing our residents, it's critical we do so. This is a smart investment for the town, for the residents, and for the entire Capital Region area,"  said Senator George Amedore.

"This multi-million dollar investment will address a long standing and growing concern in McKownville and the Town of Guilderland regarding the impact of persistent flooding. This grant, once applied to the full capital project, will protect homeowner and business property value for future generations," said Assemblymember Patricia A. Fahy (D-Albany)

“The Town of Guilderland is deeply appreciative of the project support being announced today by Senator Amedore and Assemblywoman Fahy. This support will enable the Town to move forward with enhancements to storm drainage in the hamlet of McKownville that will remediate long standing drainage issues. This work will enhance the quality of life for McKownville residents. The bipartisan support for this effort is a clear indication of the improvements for the hamlet of McKownville, and for the entire Town of Guilderland,” said Kenneth D. Runion, Guilderland Town Supervisor.

In 2010, Guilderland completed an engineering study with follow-up work in 2013 to help identify potential solutions to address the flooding issues. The improvements will include additional detention and catch basins, residential sump pump connections, underground conveyance piping, and surface swales to redirect stormwater to a series of downstream detention basins.

The Town was previously awarded a $500,000 Multi-Modal grant from the New York State Department of Transportation to help fund this project. The improvements will be implemented in several phases, with this phase expected to be completed within two years.

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