The Oriskany Creek Watershed Commission endorsed the Village of Waterville’s plan to address flooding from Big Creek along Route 315.
The Commission met last week in Waterville for its monthly meeting. The Commission formed a couple of years ago after torrential rains again brought flooding to local communities.
Following the model of the Sauquoit Creek Basin Commission, the Oriskany Creek Commission unites those communities affected by flooding from the creek’s tributaries to find solutions and funding.
Village of Waterville DPW Superintendent Jamie Bechy said the project will cover Big Creek’s flow from Route 20 to California Road, where it becomes another tributary. Bechy said without fixing problems upstream, the flooding downstream at the creek flows toward California Road will not stop.
Waterville is asking for $1.5 million in a grant to start the work. Bechy said one solution is the slow the water down as it flows along Route 315 by changing the grading.
In addition, an old dam near Stewart’s Shop will be removed and multiple problem spots from there downstream will be addressed.
Bechy said the last big rain event brought down numerous trees that blocked the water flow. Water backed up enough to almost go over the bridge from Route 315 leading into the village’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, something Bechy said he had never seen before.
Commission members agreed to provide a letter of support.
Also providing support is Congressman Brandon Williams. Aide John Salka said flood mitigation is…