UPDATE:  We have an article coming out in the Gazette, and another is being done in the Buffalo News.  I'm also shooting for the Sentinel.  

The EPA has been contacted, the Army Corps of Engineers, State Legislators, and tomorrow, the DEC.  

On August 24th, at 6pm is our monthly Lewiston Town Meeting.  If you were a victim of all night bailing, and/or property damage, then please attend this meeting.  WE NEED YOU.  We cannot get our town government to do their jobs unless we make some noise.  

_______________________________________

In recent months, my family and others in Niagara County, NY, have faced relentless stress and damage to our properties due to persistent flooding. Our homes, which should be our havens, have become sites of constant anxiety and heartbreak. The root of this problem lies in our outdated and insufficient water and sewer infrastructure systems, which are woefully unable to withstand the increasing demands and severe weather patterns.

In Niagara County, many residents have observed rising floodwaters infiltrating basements, damaging foundations, and ruining cherished belongings. The emotional and financial toll is immeasurable. As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of floods are only expected to rise, yet our infrastructure remains stuck in the past, unable to prevent these catastrophes.

According to a report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, New York's water infrastructure received a troubling D+ grade in their 2021 Infrastructure Report Card. This grade signifies the urgent need for upgrades and modernization. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency has highlighted the risks associated with aging infrastructure that can lead to water contamination during flooding events, a concern for the health and safety of all Niagara County residents.

It is imperative that our local government takes immediate action. We propose the county conducts a comprehensive assessment of our water management systems and allocates sufficient funds towards upgrading and modernizing our infrastructure. This could include:

1. Expanding and improving our sewer systems to handle larger volumes of water.
2. Implementing sustainable drainage systems that can naturally absorb excess water.
3. Collaborating with state and federal entities to secure funding for these urgent improvements.

With these measures, we can safeguard our communities from devastating floods, protect our properties, and ensure a safe, dry future for ourselves and future generations.

We call upon the Niagara County government and relevant authorities to prioritize this issue and act immediately to prevent further tragedies. Your support is crucial. Sign this petition to demand the necessary changes to our water and sewer systems and help protect our homes and families from the threat of flooding.

                                        PETITION TO DEMAND ACTION IN NIAGARA COUNTY, NY

                                                                       TO ABATE MASSIVE FLOODING 

                          DUE TO INADEQUATE WATER & SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS

 

                                      WE THE PEOPLE, THE TAXPAYERS IN NIAGARA COUNTY,

                                     ARE SUFFERING FROM INADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE,

INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE BY VILLAGES, TOWN, COUNTIES & STATE, AS REQUIRED BY LAW,

                          AND YEARS OF SYSTEMIC INACTION BY OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS,

          DESPITE FUNDED TAX DOLLARS ROUTINELY ALLOTTED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

                                                    MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND UPGRADE,

TO PROTECT OUR PROPERTIES FROM STORM WATER AND/OR TOXIC CHEMICAL RUNOFF.

                                                               WE DEMAND REMEDIAL ACTION,

                                     FEDERAL AND/OR STATE FUNDING FOR OUR LOSSES,

                                            AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN ORDER TO PROTECT

                                                  OUR ALREADY OVERTAXED PROPERTIES,

                                                 FROM DECREASED PROPERTY VALUATION,

                    INCLUDING EXPENSIVE, UNINSURED DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY,

            ONGOING & CONTINUOUS DAMAGE, REPEATEDLY REPORTED TO GOVERNMENT,

                                                                                 AND IGNORED,

                                              IN ADDITION TO EXPOSURE TO MOVING TOXINS

                                                           ALREADY FOUND IN ADJACENT AREAS

                                                SPREADING DUE TO STORMWATER FLOODING.