Lieutenant Governor (D) Kathy Hochul joined other state and local leaders from Niagara and Orleans counties to showcase 20 projects Wednesday inside Somerset Town Hall.

The projects are designed to prevent devastating flooding to homeowners along Lake Ontario as well as to mitigate further shoreline erosion and damage first witnessed in 2017.

“Many of us walked shoreline that was battered, marinas that were destroyed, homes that were under seize, flooded neighborhoods and we were told that was a 100 year event in 2017,” Hochul said. “Two years later we had another 100 year event. It’s doesn’t take twice to wake us up.”

The projects are part of an overall $300 million state investment from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative.

Close to $50 million has been set aside for improvements to places like Newfane Marina in Olcott, Village of Youngstown Waterfront, the Lewiston Landing, and Thompson Drive In Kendall.  

“The work is really now just beginning,” said New York state Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. “To increase the resiliency of this community and with that list now, we pivot and turn to making this all happen because the last thing we want to do is have this initiative out there, this commitment and not have it capitalized upon.”

Several local lawmakers, homeowners and stakeholders on hand were appreciative of the state’s help.

“We asked and the Governor’s office answered. And now we can build not fix a temporary fix not a band aid but projects to rebuild into the future,” said Lynne Johnson (R) Orleans County Legislative Chair.

Following the presentation, Hochul toured the area once again, for a firsthand look at what’s expected to be accomplished.

“It gives you that heightened sense of empathy. You look at the houses. You know that your friends and neighbors, people who love this community so dearly live here. This is their home,” she said. “And that sends me back to Albany with a message; these are the people we’re fighting for.”

As for when many of these projects are expected to be completed really all depends on when they start. Many are on the fast track, and the next step in the process will be discussed at a conference in Albany, on November 20.