The Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR) announced Wednesday the completion of a nearly $1 million infrastructure project to improve drainage and reduce flooding at Fuller Hollow Creek in the town of Vestal.

The project is designed to help stabilize the creek to avoid flooding during extreme weather events. 

“As New York continues to adapt to our changing climate, these types of projects help to both build the community’s resilience and to protect our waterways," said GOSR Executive Director Katie Brennan. "GOSR is proud that our grassroots and neighborhood-driven process will reduce flooding and protect the Vestal community.” 

Both Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee caused significant damage to homes and infastruction in 2011, leading to stream bank erosion and road closures. The GOSR project, since then, has developed upgrades that will improve the flow of water through the creek and slow the effects of erosion.

The project is in partnership with the Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). 

District Manager Wendy Walsh says they are happy to coordinate and support the efforts in helping the creek.

"We have worked for several years with the Town of Vestal, the Broome County SWCD and GOSR staff to develop and complete a plan that established grade control and reduced sediment contribution from eroding banks of the Fuller Hollow Creek," Walsh said.