Letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency - Lawmaker Urge FEMA to Approve Much-Needed Grant to Help Alleviate Sever and Repetitive Flooding Along Sauqoit Creek
Letter
We write in support of the application submitted by the Town of Whitestown in Oneida County, NY for funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (FEMA-4322 and 4348-DR-NY) to alleviate historical flooding along Sauquoit Creek. Such funding will enable Whitestown to implement critical aspects the Sauquoit Creek Channel and Floodplain Restoration Project designed to protect homes, businesses and public infrastructure from damage caused by large scale flooding events.
Over the past decade, severe and repetitive flooding of Sauquoit Creek has occurred at an alarming rate, causing significant damage to public and private infrastructure, displacing families and costing localities millions of dollars. Through the Sauquoit Creek Channel and Floodplain Restoration Project, the town of Whitestown, Oneida County and New York State have developed a long-term solution to combat this frequent flooding and we commend them for their efforts. While the first phase of the project has been initiated with state and local funds, additional federal funding is needed to expand the scope of the project and further protect homes and businesses from more devastation.
The most critical aspect of the project involves the construction of several floodplain benches, which are low-lying areas adjacent to a body of moving water that temporarily store floodwaters. With funding, Whitestown will be able to construct additional floodplain benches along lower Sauquoit Creek on Commercial Drive. The benches will feature three main components -- hydrologic, vegetative and habitat restoration -- which together will help stabilize the creek's channel and considerably reduce flooding during storm events. With each additional floodplain bench constructed, there will be more flood relief, making federal support critical.
Each additional phase of the Sauquoit Creek Channel and Floodplain Restoration Project will make strides towards improving residents' safety, reducing the burden on local emergency services, lowering flood insurance premiums and enhancing property values.
Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.
Sincerely,
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