Winter can be rough here in Central New York – we accumulate 10 feet or more of snow every year.1 But we’ve learned to adapt with snow tires, extra blankets, warm mittens and coordinated snow plow efforts. We’ve become so good that Syracuse is becoming a hub in the winter, where many come for our skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and other cold-weather adventures.

However, our springs are becoming more treacherous. Our annual snow melt is being coupled with torrential rains, causing hazardous floods. This year, our creeks, rivers and lakes repeatedly saw massive flooding, which is causing safety concerns. 2 Six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet and sweep them away; a foot of water can carry off a small car.3

Locally, the safety of residents is also placed at risk when there continues to be poor flood control measures in residential and commercial properties. Residents are also affected by higher water levels which sometimes cause irreversible water damage– wreaking havoc on property values.

Fortunately, there are steps that we can take to help prevent flooding and encourage revitalization of these hazardous conditions such as building permeable sidewalks or driveways that would allow the water to seep straight into the ground rather than running off and flooding roads and storm drains. This would also prevent hazardous materials from ending up in our beautiful rivers and lakes. To encourage people to build permeable surfaces like these, I’ve authored legislation that would allow New Yorkers to apply for a tax credit when they build them next to their homes or businesses, including patios, sidewalks and driveways (A.673).

In addition, I’ve authored legislation to establish the Upstate Flood Mitigation Assistance Act, which would create the Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force (A.6716). The task force would identify reasonable measures to enhance flood management and mitigation, including a grant program that would be administered by the Canal Corporation.

Your safety is of the utmost priority. Please remember to stay informed during a flood emergency by visiting weather.gov or tuning into the local news. Also, be aware of your surroundings by learning which roads are likely to flood near you so you can avoid them and determine whether your home, school or work is in an affected area. Be sure to heed road closures and cautionary signs; it’s never safe to walk or drive through flood waters, which can conceal chemicals and power lines.4

As always, please contact me if you any questions or concerns about this or any other community issue at 315-452-1115 or StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.

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