infrastructure

From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:

Upton Road between Route 33 and Rose Road in the Town of Batavia will be closed beginning May 3 through approximately Sept. 15^th for a bridge replacement project.

The road will not be passable to regular traffic or emergency vehicles. A detour will be posted.

Press release:

Today, in honor of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship.

USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

“When we invest in accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs,” Maxson said. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions.”

In Genesee County, the USDA today announced these federal loans and a grant for infrastructure in two towns:

Town of Bethany -- $16,680,000 loan: This Rural Development investment will be used to expand public water service to residents and businesses located outside of the existing service area. The new water district will relieve the financial and logistical burdens of replacing or repairing failing private weel water system, minimize threats to public health and will provide water for fire protection. The total project cost is $16,686,000 with a direct loan for $16,680,000, and an applicant contribution of $6,000.

Town of Pembroke -- $1,145,000 loan + $904,000 grant: This Rural Development investment will be used to create the Pratt Road Water District in the Town of Pembroke. Funding will replace and repair failing private well water systems. The improvements will help enhance public health and provide water for fire protection.

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Press release from Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27)

“I applaud the USDA’s continued commitment into ensuring Western New York farmers and residents in rural communities have access to clean drinking water," Jacobs said. “Many rural communities in my district have outdated water delivery systems. This funding helps modernize that infrastructure and will serve as an economic boost. I will keep working to ensure these investments and improvements are made so residents throughout our region are supported.”

Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. said “Securing this funding has been a major priority of mine. I want to thank the USDA for this funding and for the great rural development work they do. With this funding, Bethany will now be able to cover close to 90 percent of our town with public water service.”

The Town of Pembroke is wasting no time in accepting a grant and low-interest loan from USDA's Rural Development division because it is such a good deal.

"I’ve been doing this for many years," said Tom Carpenter, an engineer with Clark Patterson Lee. "This is the best funding package I’ve ever seen from Rural Development. We were requesting about a $2.3 million grant and I forget the interest rate when we were requesting this but it might have been 2 or just over 2 percent. They came back with a grant of $3.7 million and an interest rate of 1.25, that is the best I’ve ever seen."

The bigger grant and lower interest rate will save property owners in the proposed Water District #4 (see map above) about $90 a year from the original estimate.

At the town board's meeting last week, the board voted to accept the package from USDA and contract with Clark Patterson Lee for services associated with getting the water service designed and built.

Typically, there would be a public information meeting about the proposed district but due to COVID-19-restrictions, but Carpenter anticipates newsletters going to residents and business owners in the district along with survey cards to gauge interest in forming the district.

Both Carpenter and Supervisor Thomas Schneider Jr. said they believe there is widespread support for the formation of the district in the community.  

Carpenter said at a previous public meeting where he discussed the district, about 120 people turned out (before the pandemic) and only four or five people there opposed the district.

"You usually get people who are very, very for a district or very, very against it," Carpenter said.

There will be a public hearing on formation of the district at a future date.

Schneider said given the positive feedback he's received from residents, he believes the board will be able to approve the formation of the district with a permissive referendum, which would mean the district would move forward unless affected residents or property owners held a successful petition drive placing the proposal on a public ballot. In that case, voters would need to approve formation of the district.

Schneider said the annual cost of the district for a single, occupied dwelling would be $962 per year. The cost of debt for a residential property that is not developed would be $466 per year. A vacant lot would pay about half that amount. Agricultural properties are exempt from paying for debt service on a water district.

The total cost of the project would be $9,050,000, with $3,744,000 covered by a USDA grant, and the rest by a low-interest loan of $5,306,000.

"I can easily stand up at a public meeting and say there will never be a better funding package available for this project," Carpenter said.

The project would involve installing 109,000 linear feet of 6-, 8-, and 12-inch diameter water mains and providing for 302 water services.

Carpenter said the best-case scenario is the entire project is completed by the end of 2022.

Photo: Work on a new high-capacity water line along Route 77 is part of a $2 million infrastructure construction project at STAMP.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) today announced that with the anticipated completion of a $2 million infrastructure project this summer, water capacity will increase to more than 1 million gallons per day at the 1,250-acre Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) mega site in Genesee County.

“Every infrastructure milestone adds to the tremendous momentum behind STAMP. Our ability to deliver low-cost, 100-percent renewable power, and utility infrastructure aligned with project timelines and capacities, is driving even greater interest from site selectors and companies looking to locate in Genesee County,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde.

Hyde noted that STAMP’s development is advancing with significant infrastructure design, engineering, and construction milestones. The mega-site is already designed and permitted for the construction of over 6 million square feet of advanced manufacturing facility space.

The water infrastructure project includes the installation of new high-capacity water lines that will connect with previously extended infrastructure on New York State Route 77 that runs along the STAMP site.

The water line project is supported by New York State, and is aligned with investments by Genesee County and the towns of Alabama and Pembroke to expand infrastructure for economic and community growth. Morsch Pipeline in Avon serves as the lead contractor on the project.

In February, Plug Power Inc. announced it plans to begin construction of North America’s largest green hydrogen production facility at STAMP. Plug Power’s $290 million proposed facility and electric substation investment further expands access to high-capacity, flexible infrastructure on parcels ranging from 30 acres to over 650 acres, Hyde said.

“Partnering with an industry leader like Plug Power is another significant asset available at STAMP to grow the renewable and advanced manufacturing sectors, which will transform our regional economy for generations,” Hyde said.

The Genesee County Highway Department has created a website to help the public informed during the reconstruction of the South Lyon Street Bridge.

To visit the website, click here. 

This is a $3 million project with 80 percent covered by federal grants.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2022.

Considering the importance of this bridge to the traveling public in our community, a website was created to keep residents and businesses apprised of the project's progress," said Laura Wadhams, assistant county engineer. "Please check the website for updates as the design process continues, and through construction for progress photos."

Press release:

The City Water Department is planning to make repairs to a water line in the area of 53 River St. on Monday, March 8. Repairs will begin at 8 a.m. and should be completed by 3 p.m. The water may have to be shut off from #73 River to South Main Street.

This will result in low to no water pressure condition for some residents. Other residents in the area may experience discolored water, which should return to normal once repairs are complete. Residents should check to make sure water clarity has returned before resuming activities such as laundry, which may be impacted.  

We appreciate your patience while these repairs are being made.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley joined other legislators in the Assembly Minority in calling on the governor to ensure the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), PAVE-NY, and Emergency Winter Recovery Fund remain fully funded, if  funding is not increased.

This effort comes after the governor's 2021-22 Executive Budget proposed cutting all funding for the Emergency Winter Recovery Fund and shifting a significant portion of CHIPS funding to signature projects, as opposed to core preservation, which maintains local roads and infrastructure. 

While unfunded state mandates placed on localities have increased over the last decade, CHIPS base-level funding has remained stagnant since 2013. Local governments are responsible for maintaining about 87 percent of all roads in New York State and half of the state’s 18,000 bridges, of which 36 percent of bridges are deficient. Additionally, 38 percent of roads in the state have been rated poor or fair.

“By maintaining and improving our roads, we create jobs, make our communities safer, and avoid larger problems that may otherwise arise in the future,” Hawley said.

“Cutting Emergency Winter Recovery funds would only slow our economic recovery, and we should instead be talking about increasing CHIPS funding to put people to work and give families, businesses and healthcare providers the means to get where they need to be safely and efficiently."

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is investigating a water break in front of 2-4 Bogue Ave.

Residents on Bogue Avenue should expect the possibility of the water being turned off. We will do our best to keep this to a minimum.

There is a possibility of discolored water; laundry should be avoided if possible.

We thank the residents for their patience and understanding.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Water service has been restored.

Press release:

Genesee County will be replacing the Darien Alexander Townline Road Bridge over Tannery Brook just south of Attica Road in the towns of Darien and Alexander.

Construction is expected in Spring 2022, with an anticipated construction duration of four to six months. The bridge will be replaced with new prestressed box beams with cast-in-place abutments.

All work is to be completed within the existing highway boundary. The bridge is funded with 80-percent federal aid and a 20-percent local match.

For details of the project, click here (pdf).

From Bill Davis, superintendent of city Water and Wastewater:

The water main on the west side of the City Centre has been repaired and water has been restored to the area.

Press release:

The City Water Department is responding to a water leak on the west side of the City Centre. Water may be turned off from the corner of Alva Place and State Street to Main and Jackson streets. This will affect businesses in the southwest area of the City Centre and the surrounding vicinity.

This could result in low water pressure conditions for some residents and businesses. Other residents in the area may experience discolored water, which should return to normal once repairs are complete. Residents should check to make sure water clarity has returned before resuming activities such as laundry, which may be impacted.

Press release:

Joseph Wisinski, president of the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association, urged the New York State Legislature on Tuesday to restore cuts in highway funding made in the 2020-21 state budget to the proposed 2021-22 spending plan, and to add highway crews to the Phase 1B eligibility list for the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The 2020-21 budget cut appropriations for local highway programs by 20 percent, or $120.6 million, and 2020 funding allocation notices to local highway departments were not sent until 69 days after the budget was adopted in April, Wisinski told a joint hearing of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means. He is also Madison County highway superintendent.

“Many municipalities could not go forward and plan their highway programs with the uncertainty of full reimbursement from the state,” Wisinski said. “With only 80 percent of our CHIPS (Consolidated Local Highway Improvement Program), PAVE-NY and EWR (Extreme Winter Recovery) funds available, our local transportation capital programs, which were already underfunded, were reduced even further. As a result, we saw a reduction in local construction jobs, and we all know that work delayed will cost much more later.” 

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected local highway departments’ finances," Wisinski said. “We adhere to and follow all current public health policies to minimize the spread; however, despite our best efforts, we continue to be short staffed with people out for positive cases or quarantine.

"Costs for cleaning and sanitizing vehicles and equipment, social distancing and masks all continue to strain our local budgets.” For this reason, he said, “we request that our highway crews be added to the Phase 1B COVID eligibility list.” 

In addition, he said, “counties have seen a massive drop in sales tax collections and state aid, and while counties do all they can to manage highway infrastructure funding at the local level, they are often operating with their hands tied behind their backs and not able to make up losses in highway funding.” 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2021-22 budget proposes a 15-percent repayment for local programs that were cut; “5 percent will be a permanent cut for unknown reasons,” Wisinski said.

In addition, CHIPS funding would be flat for the ninth year, no increases are proposed for the PAVE-NY and BRIDGE-NY program, and the EWR program would not be carried forward. 

NYSCHSA is calling for 100 percent of the cuts to highway funding to be restored, the appropriations proposed in the 2021-22 budget to be fully funded, the EWR appropriation to be increased to $100 million, and protection against local highway program cuts to be included in the budget. 

“Local roads and bridges, as you know, make up the bulk of the statewide system,” Wisinski said. “Eighty-seven percent of New York’s roads and over half the bridges are owned by local governments. Our crews are plowing county roads as well as many state-owned highways to assure safe winter travel. Local roads are essential. … Motorists need to get to and from their jobs, homes, schools, hospitals and other destinations.” 

The New York State County Highway Superintendents Association is a nonprofit organization whose county superintendents, public works commissioners and affiliate members are dedicated to promoting and maintaining a safe and efficient county transportation system. More information is available here.

Genesee County is gearing up to undertake a host of bridge and culvert projects this spring and summer, including some projects that were put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens told the Public Service Committee on Tuesday.

The better news might be that contractors are eager for work, meaning lower bids on projects.

The committee agreed to recommend to the full legislature a $1.8 million contract for three culvert projects to Union Concrete Construction Corp. of West Seneca.

That bid is about $400,000 less than the engineer estimated, Hens said.

"It's just that the contractors are starving right now," Hens said. "Thankfully, there's been no drawback on state and federal money so there's an empty slate of work and the contractors are all anxious to get back to work and get stuff moving."

The three projects were bundled together, which may have also helped the county save some money, Hens said.

The resolution for the bid also includes hiring CHA Consulting out of Buffalo to handle project inspections. The cost, under the terms of the contract, will not exceed $340,000.

The three projects being awarded to Union Concrete are Meadville Road ($458,527), Sharrick Road ($727,508), and Tower Hill Road ($581,349).

Other anticipated projects in 2021 include a bridge on Hundredmark Road in Elba, the bridge at South Lyons (currently in the design phase), and Darien Alexander Townline Road (also in design).

The projects are funded by BridgeNY, which covers 95 percent of the costs.

Also related to the Highway Department, recommended for approval:

• Purchase of a 6x4 dump truck for $242,371.
• Purchase of a 1/2 ton pickup truck for $31,735.
• Purchase of a skid steer loader for $56,354.
• And for the airport, purchase of Jet-A Refueler for $189,600, and purchase of a AvGas Refueler for $134,990.

From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:

Fineline Pipeline is going to close Perry Road, between York Road and Dillion Road in Pavilion tomorrow. Jan. 14, between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for water main installation. The road will be accessible to local traffic and emergency vehicles only.

The contractor will also close York Road between Perry Road and South Street Road in Pavilion starting tomorrow, Jan. 14^th, for two to three weeks. The closures are expected Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The road will be accessible to local traffic and emergency vehicles only.

The contractor will not be on site any days where weather conditions would make for unsafe work or travel conditions.

From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:

Work has been completed on the bridge replacement over Whitney Creek on Judge Road in the Town of Alabama and the road is now reopened.

A portion of Judge Road had been closed since Oct. 12 to replace the bridge, which is immediately west of Crosby Road.

From Tim Hens, superintendent, Genesee County Highway Department:

Effective Monday, Oct. 12^th, the bridge over Whitney Creek on Judge Road in the Town of Alabama will be closing so that the bridge may be replaced. 

The bridge is immediately west of Crosby Road.

There will be a detour posted onsite for the duration of the project, which is expected to take approximately two to three months to complete.

Press release:

Motorists in the City of Batavia are advised that the City of Batavia and the New York State Department of Transportation are performing utility work on Route 98 / Oak Street (between Route 5/ West Main Street and Burke Drive).

This work is expected to end today at about 3 p.m., then it will continue Monday through Friday of next week (Sept. 14-18). Daily hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Motorists should expect lane reductions and delays.

If you have questions, contact the Bureau of Maintenance at (585) 345-6400, opt. 1.

Press release:

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the City of Batavia Water Department will be making repairs to a water main in front of number 23 Oak St.

The street will be open for traffic on Oak Street but lane restrictions and different traffic patterns will be in effect.

For safety, Prospect Avenue and Mix Place will be closed at Oak. There will be no parking permitted in this area on Oak Street while work in taking place.

Water may be turned off in the area; this may produce discolored water. Please refrain from doing laundry if water is discolored.

Work will begin about 8 a.m. and should be completed by 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

Press release:

Construction work has commenced to finish a major water line project to the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) and bring the STAMP South Campus to 100-percent shovel-readiness for development.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced today (Aug. 18) that the $2 million active infrastructure project enables over one million gallons per day of water capacity to STAMP. This project is supported by Genesee County to support Phase I development of the STAMP site.

The 1,250-acre STAMP site, through the 850-acre STAMP North Campus and the 400-acre STAMP South Campus, is designed and permitted for more than six million square feet of new construction supported by low-cost hydropower.

“There is a tremendous amount of momentum for STAMP right now and not just from an infrastructure investment and construction standpoint, but in interest among site selectors and representatives from advanced manufacturing companies, including semiconductor companies from across the world,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO, GCEDC. 

The start of the construction on the latest STAMP water line comes after U.S. Senator Charles Schumer was in Batavia on July 31^st to announce among other things, his support for a $1 million grant through the Northern Border Regional Commission for the construction of a new force main to serve the entire STAMP site. 

STAMP infrastructure design, engineering and construction launched in 2014 with the allocation of $33 million by New York State.

“With federal, state and local funding enabling STAMP’s infrastructure delivery, our 1,250-acre mega site will provide a significant return on investment and can be a model for economic recovery as New York State emerges from the pandemic,” Hyde said.

The infrastructure work includes the completion of the construction of a water line that was started from a connection from the Erie County Water Authority in Pembroke near the New York State Thruway. The second leg included construction of the line at a connection near the Western New York National Cemetery for veterans, and now from the cemetery to the STAMP South Campus.  

The work is anticipated being completed by the end this year. The design and engineering work was performed by Clark Patterson & Lee.