MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• Resiliency Project in Town of Greece Completed
• Drought Watch Continues in Five Regions
• Final FFY 2021 Intended Use Plans Announced

Resiliency Project in Town of Greece Completed

DEC has announced the completion of one of 11 projects awarded to the town of Greece, Monroe County, through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI). The project's mitigation measures will eliminate flood risk through improvements made to storm sewers and the elevation of the Braddock Road Sanitary Pump Station, protecting it from flood waters.

Through REDI, the State has committed up to $300 million to rebuild the Lake Ontario shoreline, as well as improve resiliency in flood-prone regions along the lake. Directed by Governor Cuomo, the REDI Commission is led by DEC and Empire State Development. DEC is the lead agency on the Braddock Road Sewers project. 

Drought Watch Continues in Five Regions 

Map of New York State Drought Conditions Available 

Although some areas have received more precipitation recently, five regions of the State remain under a drought watch issued by DEC: Southern Tier, Long Island, Upper Hudson/Mohawk, Adirondacks, and Great Lakes/St. Lawrence regions. The drought watch status for these regions was issued after consulting with experts from the State Drought Management Task Force. 

There are no statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place under a drought watch. However, local public water suppliers may require such measures depending upon local needs and conditions. Visit DEC’s Saving Water Makes Good Sense webpage for conservation tips that homeowners can take to voluntarily reduce their water usage.

For more detailed drought information, visit DEC's drought webpage.

Final FFY 2021 Intended Use Plans Announced

Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), DEC, and the NYS Department of Health have prepared the Final Federal Fiscal Year 2021 Intended Use Plans (IUPs) for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The IUPs include lists of projects that may receive financial assistance between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021.

EFC is also seeking comments regarding projects that were added to the Annual Project Priority List after the publication of the Draft 2021 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) IUP. The list of new DWSRF projects is available on EFC's website. Comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on December 4, 2020.