WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Phase II of Buffalo Creek's Reconnection Project was introduced to West Seneca residents at a public meeting on Friday evening.
The Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper (BNW) and the Town of West Seneca have studied the creek for years, searching for ways to alleviate the flooding.
"A floodplain is a natural solution to alleviate floodwaters by extending the area that that water has to travel so it can flood into the floodplain instead of neighboring houses," said Katherine Winkler, senior program manager of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper. "It's one of those projects that you don't have to maintain."
A new $500,000 design, funded by the National Coastal Resiliency Fund, was up for debate at the West Seneca Community Center.
"There was a significant flood where we got 10 inches of water in the back shed and several feet underneath our back porch," said community member Michael Machnica. "It's very encouraging that there was a good turnout here for people to express their opinions."
Lexington Green neighborhood evacuated due to rising waters along Buffalo Creek.
Evelyn Hicks, another community member, said the project would improve conditions for her and her neighbors.
"It's gone into neighborhoods," Hicks said. "We've had people evacuate their homes and we've had substantial property damage because these historic floods are happening more often."
Construction is set to begin in 2025.
The Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and #WestSeneca is hosting a public meeting to talk about a $500k design phase for the Buffalo Creek Floodplain Reconnection Project. This area has experienced a history of flood damage associated with rapid snowmelt, heavy rainfall, and ice jams. pic.twitter.com/1I7jfRNTUh
— Pheben Kassahun WKBW (@PhebenKassahun) June 28, 2024
