After Tropical Storm Fred In 2021, Wood Brook Culvert On Burgess Street Was Damaged And Needed Improvements To Prevent Future Flooding For Nearby Auburn Neighborhood
Senators Helped Secure Major Disaster Declaration Allowing Auburn To Tap Federal Funding For Long-Needed Project To Improve Flood-Prevention Infrastructure
Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$ Are Now Flowing To Strengthen Flood Protections For Auburn Homes And Businesses
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,305,000 million in federal funding to repair an aging culvert and strengthen a key flood control system in the City of Auburn. The senators explained that the aged Wood Brook culvert on Burgess Street led to flooding damage to nearby homes, but thanks to this funding, the City can replace the culvert with a new, wider, more resilient structure that can handle heavy periods of rainfall, providing hazard mitigation for residents, businesses and the community.
“The City of Auburn experienced devastating flooding from Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, showing the importance of improving our flood infrastructure to protect homes and businesses. This long-needed federal funding will help provide necessary upgrades to finally replace this aging culvert keeping Auburn neighborhoods and homes better prepared to weather the next storm,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to deliver this critical investment for Cayuga County to help build a stronger foundation to prevent flooding and keep our residents safe.”
“Improving flood infrastructure is vital so we don’t see the devastating impacts of flooding like we did with Tropical Storm Fred in 2021,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will go a long way toward ensuring Auburn residents are protected from future extreme weather events. I’m proud to announce this funding and will continue to fight to deliver federal resources to protect New Yorkers from the devastating impacts of flooding.”
“I want to thank Senator Schumer and his staff for their support and assistance in helping us secure this necessary funding. As increased storm intensity continues to challenge our aging infrastructure in the City of Auburn, it is vital that we have support from our partners in the Federal governments to address existing vulnerabilities. Funding for the reconstruction of the Burgess Street culvert will protect adjacent neighborhoods and a nearby school by mitigating potential flooding hazards,” said City of Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino.