TOWN OF OSWEGO, NY – New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the completion of construction of a flood resiliency project awarded to Oswego County through the State’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).
The project, which included improvements to sections of County Route 89 in the town of Oswego, was awarded nearly $1.3 million in grant funding. During the historic flooding of 2019, the roadway was overtaken, forcing emergency closures. Residents were cut off from their homes, and emergency vehicles and personnel were unable to pass and forced to be rerouted.
“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,” Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said.
“These improvements along County Route 89 in the Town of Oswego will increase the resiliency of an important local roadway and help ensure that it remains open and accessible to residents and emergency service providers regardless of the weather conditions.”
The completed project will improve the drainage of the roadway and improve public safety by providing a safer roadway that does not require closure due to flooding. Damages Oswego County sustained by Route 89 due to past flooding were repaired, ensuring the roadway will be equipped to withstand storm events in the future.
Flood mitigation measures in this project included:
- Replacement of the existing culvert with a larger culvert to increase drainage
- Reconstruction of the roadway and installation of stone fill to protect the embankment slopes
- Minor profile adjustments to the roadway
The project also included the installation of new guide-rail, signs, and pavement markings.
“The improvements made to County Route 89 in the Town of Oswego demonstrate the significant progress Governor Hochul’s administration has made repairing and building resiliency into critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas along the southern shore of Lake Ontario,” New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy said. “This work ensures residents, visitors, and emergency responders have safe access to the homes and businesses located in communities susceptible to high-water levels.”
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) President and CEO Reuben R. McDaniel, III, said, “The flooding of 2019 clearly showed that action was needed to address the impact of flooding. DASNY is grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to strengthening communities all across New York, and proud to partner with REDI, DOT, and local officials to help make the critical investments needed to protect Oswego residents in businesses now and in the future.”
Senator Patty Ritchie said, “Three years ago, when County Route 89 suffered historic flood damage that left homeowners and emergency vehicles forced to take alternative roads, and it was clear to me that Oswego County would need state help to rebuild this important roadway. The REDI program has played a critical role helping to ensure that future flooding events will not leave families cut off from this vital transportation network.”
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said, “County Route 89 is a vital community corridor connecting businesses, students and residents in the town of Oswego. In the wake of 2019’s historic flooding, these improvements will provide an important safety net against future natural disasters and ensure emergency vehicles can safely and quickly access individuals in need. I extend my thanks and congratulations to all those who helped secure the grant and facilitate these important upgrades.”
Oswego County Chairman James Weatherup said, “We are happy to see the County Route 89 REDI project complete. The resiliency measures implemented will ensure that Oswego County residents traveling the roadway will have safe passage, even in times of high water. When state and local government work together great things are accomplished.”
In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, New York State established REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region.
Five REDI Regional 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 resiliency in flood prone regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Since the creation of the State’s REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 134 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 46 projects in the design phase, 42 projects in the construction phase, and 46 projects completed.
For additional information, project profiles and REDI news, click here.
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