New York State Department of Health Announces Completion of Million Resiliency Project in Town of Wilson, Niagara County

Rehabilitation of the Town of Wilson Water Tank Will Ensure Its Continued Operation and Increase Reliability of the Water System

Water Tower is Critical Infrastructure to Residents, Local Business Owners and Fire Protection

$300 Million Appropriated for Shoreline Communities Includes $15 Million for Regional Dredging, $30 Million for Private Businesses, and $20 Million for Homeowner Assistance

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) announced today the completion of construction of the last ofthreeprojects awarded to the Town of Wilson, Niagara County through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI). This final completed projectconsisted of structural rehabilitation of the Town's 500,000-gallon steel water storage tank, ensuring its continued operation, increasing the reliability of the water system,and protecting the health of residentsandvisitors. The Wilson Water Tower project was awarded $1 million by the REDI Commission to complete the rehabilitation.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Governor Cuomo's REDI Commission is building back better infrastructure by assisting communities like the Town of Wilson to fund projects thathelpsustain andimprovethe water infrastructure serving their residents.These critical upgrades help municipalities prepare for future water needs and continue tomaintain areliable water deliverysystem."

In addition to the rehabilitation of the storage tank, the project included installation of a remote pressure monitoring system and installation of a tank mixing system. The resiliency measures undertaken will help to mitigate the risk ofpotential interruption of water service to approximately 6,000 residents and will make the structure fully compliant with all local, state, and federal engineering and environmental requirements.

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO Eric Gertler said, "Through the state's REDI effort, Governor Cuomo has made it a priority to improve the resiliency of the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shoreline communities that were affected by record floods. Critical investments in clean water infrastructure, in Wilson and elsewhere, will help to secure a healthier, more sustainable and more prosperous New York for all."

State Parks Commissioner ErikKulleseidsaid, "This is another step forward in Governor Cuomo's effort to make Lake Ontario communities better prepared for future flooding. I applaud the Department of Health and the town ofWilsonfor partnering to make this crucial service more reliable for the community."

Dormitory Authority of New York StatePresident and CEO Reuben R. McDaniel III said, "DASNY is proud to support Governor Cuomo's vision for protecting New York's waterfront communities and enhancing the health and safety of residents of Wilson and Niagara County. Like so many other projects Governor Cuomo has supported in waterfront communities, this initiative will reduce the risks that flooding or other factors could hamper resident's access to clean water and critical services."

Niagara County Legislative Chair Rebecca Wydysh said, "The REDI program recognizes that investments in infrastructure are investments in economic development and no project better highlights this than the Wilson Water Tower Project. A safe, reliable water system is paramount for residents, businesses, and visitors, and I thank my colleague, Legislator Dave Godfrey and Town Supervisor Doyle Phillips for their leadership in working with New York State to bring this project to completion."

Town Supervisor Phillips Doyle said, "I would like to thank Governor Cuomo, the REDI Commission, and all of the state agencies that have assisted our community in navigating these critical resiliency projects, from start to finish. The partnership between the town and the state was invaluable in making the process smooth and efficient. The REDI projects in the Town of Wilson, including the completion of the water tower rehabilitation, will benefit the community now, and for generations to come."

As part of theState's ongoing response to record flooding that hit Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shoreline communitiesduring spring and summer 2019,Governor Cuomo created the REDI Commission, a multi-agency team tasked with studying sustainable solutions to strengthen infrastructure and mitigate impacts from future flooding while bolstering the region's local economies.

Through REDI, the State has committed up to $300 million to rebuild the shoreline, as well as improve resiliency in flood-prone regions along the lake. The REDI Commission allocated $20 million for homeowner assistance, $30 million to improve the resiliency of businesses, and $15 million toward a regional dredging effort that will benefit each of the eight REDI counties (Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence). The remaining balance, $235 million, has been allocated toward local and regional projects that advance and exemplify the REDI mission.

Directed by Governor Cuomo, the REDI Commission is led by DEC and Empire State Development. Additional participating agencies and authorities include the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, State Office of General Services, Department of Transportation, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and Office of Emergency Management, New York Power Authority, State Department of Labor, and the New York State Department of State.

This project was undertaken by the Town of Wilson with oversight by the Department of Health.Click here for a list of Niagara County REDI projects.