Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that legislation he authored to strengthen flood management and mitigation passed the Assembly A.6716-B

“Flooding is not just happening along Lake Ontario. This year I’ve heard from residents regarding flooding on their property bordering streams, culverts and swales,” Stirpe said. “We need to take as many proactive steps as possible to safeguard our homes and businesses. This task force will help reduce the damages caused by flooding and protect our community from the harsh impact of natural disasters.”

In recent years, flash floods have become more frequent, causing an increasing amount of damage. In 2015, a series of thunderstorms caused flash floods throughout Onondaga County, causing road closures, including I-81.¹ Damage caused by flooding can be costly to property and business owners, who may have to close their businesses during flash flood warnings. Drainage problems also continue to rise, raising concerns for local residents about health and safety issues, noted Stirpe.

The task force would be responsible for analyzing the impact of previous floods in the state and listing adaptive measures that could be executed to lessen the impact and costs of future flooding. In addition, the bill establishes an upstate flood mitigation grant program to be administered by the New York State Canal Corporation to fund projects that prevent and alleviate flooding.

1 syracuse.com/weather/index.ssf/2015/07/record_rain_pounds_syracuse_overnight.html