[Press Release]
Final funding for project comes in form of a $405,840 state grant
Niagara Falls, N.Y. — Mayor Paul Dyster announced that final grant funding necessary to cover the full cost of an emergency water main replacement project undertaken along 72nd Street last year has been secured. The 72nd Street water main replacement project included the replacement of approximately 3,000 linear feet of 8-inch water main along with hydrants and main line valves from Niagara Falls Boulevard to the area near Stephenson Avenue. Final funding needed to cover project costs comes in the form of a $405,840 grant awarded by the State of New York’s Environmental Facilities Corporation, under the leadership of Governor Cuomo.
“The emergency repair work undertaken along 72nd Street was another example of placing people over politics; and one in which it became necessary for the city of Niagara Falls to take the lead, and shoulder project costs regardless of jurisdiction in order to ensure a quality of life for residents,” said Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster. “As we continue to invest in our aging infrastructure throughout our city, we are grateful to Governor Cuomo for his leadership and our partners in state government for their efforts to offset the costs of this critical project.”
Niagara Falls City Council Chairman Andy Touma said, “We are very appreciative to Governor Cuomo and our partners in Assemblyman Ceretto and Senator Ortt for securing the grant dollars for our water infrastructure and drinking water. This is a win for the taxpayers of Niagara Falls.”
“The city took the lead for its residents, thanks to the continued efforts of Mayor Dyster, City Council and staff to secure grant funding to resolve the 72nd Street water problem, with no help from the water board,” said Niagara County Legislator Mark Grozio. “Hopefully, this can be put to rest and the original funds can now be used for other projects in the city.”
Initially funded through redirected road reconstruction funds budgeted in 2015, Mayor Dyster sought out grant funding and applied to the State of New York’s Environmental Facilities Corporation for reimbursement of partial project costs. Through Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State’s Environmental Facilities Corporation Sewer and Water Infrastructure Program gives local governments another way to pay for improvements to water quality operation. In addition, $375,000 in capital improvement funds were secured through the efforts of State Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblyman John Ceretto. A remaining balance of $158,810 in costs will be shouldered by the city.
Completed in December 2015, the project included installation of the water main at a minimum depth of 5 ½ feet, in order to eliminate frozen water services that were frequent throughout February and March 2015. The project targeted the entire area affected by a previous road reconstruction project in 2010.
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