Schumer Announces CSX Transportation has Heeded his Call to Meet with Mayor of Minoa, Find Solution to Clear Invasive Plants and Debris Along Tracks - Plants Impeding Stormwater Flow & Causing Home Flooding

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that CSX Transportation will work with the Village of Minoa to clear an invasive plant species along their property near the North Central Ave and South Central Ave tracks in the Village. CSX Transportation has pledged full cooperation and will meet with the Mayor of Minoa and a representative from Schumer's office to coordinate cleanup and maintenance of the tracks this Thursday. The invasive brush, along the CSX right-of-way, has obstructed drainage areas along North and South Central Avenue and has also caused water to pool in the roadway during heavier rain storms. This has led to an increase in basement flooding in nearby homes, as reported by Village officials. Senator Schumer recently urged CSX to work with the Village, which has now offered to assist in the cleanup and maintenance of the invasive brush.

"I am pleased that CSX has heeded my request and has agreed to work hand-in-glove with the Mayor and Village of Minoa to swiftly address the flooding issue," said Schumer. "Through the cooperation of CSX and the Village, hundreds of dollars' worth of property flooding can be avoided. I hope this will continue the positive relationship between CSX and Minoa and I will track this issue until all the necessary debris is removed, root and branch."

"Minoa residents, especially those who have had flooding issues, are thankful that Senator Schumer's involvement has fast-tracked our request to meet with CSX," said Minoa Mayor, Richard Donovan. "The Village is thankful to CSX for making this issue a priority and we look forward to meeting them alongside the Senator's Office this Thursday."

Last week, Senator Schumer wrote the CEO of CSX Transportation urging his cooperation on the matter, and received reply that CSX wants to help address the problem as quickly as possible. The Mayor of Minoa and representatives of the Minoa Dept. of Public Works will meet with representatives of CSX Transportation and Senator Schumer's staff on Thursday, June 13 on North Central Avenue to walk the location. Schumer is hopeful the meeting will produce a solution amenable to both parties, and that they will form a plan for recurrent monitoring and maintenance along the tracks.

The brush and debris have been obstructing water runoff and causing instances of flooding. The brush, which includes Phragmites, an invasive grass species, has been blocking the drainage area along North Central Avenue north of the CSX tracks. Additionally, brush and debris are blocking the drainage area along South Central Avenue south of the CSX tracks.

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