Senate passes Griffo bill designating area creeks as inland waterways

ALBANY - New York State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, announced today that legislation he sponsored that would designate several area creeks as inland waterways has passed the state Senate.

The bill (S2906A) would label Ferguson, Moyer, Mud, Ninemile, Oriskany, Reall, Sauquoit, Six Mile and Wood creeks as “inland waterways.” Designating the creeks as such provides local governments with the opportunity to access the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and to apply for funding for flood mitigation and economic development that would further help communities and the local economy.

The legislation was cosponsored in the Senate by Sen. James Seward, R-C-I-Ref-Oneonta.

A companion bill in the state Assembly was sponsored by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-Utica, and cosponsored by Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-I-C-Ref-New Hartford. That bill was passed by the Assembly in May.

Since both houses have passed the bill, it now goes to the Governor.

“All too often we have seen homes and businesses damaged by flooding along these creeks,” Deputy Minority Leader Griffo said. “This legislation will provide municipalities with access to important resources that can help residents, business owners and others who have been affected by major weather events. I am hopeful that the Governor will sign this legislation into law so that we can get communities the help that they need.”

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