Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced $725,000 in federal funding is available for a United States Army Corps of Engineers project to provide emergency streambank restoration along Canadaway Creek in the Village of Fredonia.
“There is a critical need for this project which will ensure the integrity of the main sewer line into Fredonia,” said Congressman Higgins. “This funding provides the resources for the Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, to use their expertise to restore and stabilize the eroding streambank, thereby protecting the health and safety of local residents and the natural environment.”
Over the last 50 years the Canadaway Creek streambank has eroded more than 100 feet. Continued erosion would seriously threaten the sanitary sewer trunk line and the maintenance access road. Without this project, there is a strong possibility of sewage overflow into Canadaway Creek and Lake Erie.
“Teamwork and effective partnering is an essential ingredient in this project,” said Lieutenant Colonel John S. Hurley, Buffalo District Commander. “The solid working relationship we have with Congressman Higgins and his staff has been instrumental in securing the benefits of this project for the people of the Village of Fredonia.”
“The news that this project, which has been pending for many years, is fully funded is phenomenal,” said Village of Fredonia Mayor Michael Sullivan. “Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Higgins we can move forward on work that prevents a potential major environmental catastrophe.”
Fredonia Village Trustee Joe Cerrie added, “This project has been one of the Village’s top priorities. We are very grateful for this federal funding that will satisfy the cost for entire Canadaway Creek project.”
The Corps will perform the streambank restoration working from land along the floodplain terrace, thereby minimizing any adverse impact to the stream channel itself. Construction can begin once design work for the project is approved.
