DAVENPORT -- In an effort to get state and federal funding for repairing storm damage to Davenport creeks and waterways, town Highway Superintendent Fred Utter recently contacted local legislators about a situation affecting his municipality and possibly others. The result was a Friday tour he gave to state Sen. James Seward of some of the problem areas.
After a couple of stops along the Charlotte Creek, Seward said he would contact the state Department of Environmental Conservation and county Soil and Water Conservation District about setting up a meeting soon to discuss the issue.
"My job is to get experts to tell us what is needed" so the next storm that hits the area won't cause further damage to streams, property and infrastructure, he said. "I will try to get a team to come out to see what we can be done," he said.
If other communities in the area are in need of such assistance, they can contact his office, he said.
Although Davenport is not in his district, Seward, a Republican is running for re-election for the district that will include the town next year.
The most recent flooding, from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, hit the area last summer. At this stage in the flood recovery, "we are at the stage of protecting property through flood mitigation from future storms," Seward said.
Other towns recently received state and federal funds, and Utter said he understands that other areas, including Sidney and Margaretville, got hit worse. However, in setting up the visit to four locations, "I don't want everybody to forget our town."
The first stop was on pasture land belonging to dairy farmer Lyle Garrison. The creek has shifted from its original course over the years, and about four acres he has off of High Point Road can no longer be used for hay, he said. It now serves as a pasture. With the sandbar that is developing and the debris in the creek, the land keeps eroding, he said, and barring outside intervention, "it's only a matter of time before the land is unusable."
The problem is one that is not uncommon in the county, stream-program coordinator for the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District Graydon Dutcher said. It's a result of major storms in recent years that have strained the channels that carry water and sediment, he said. The agency uses a scientific approach to bring streams back to their natural state, reconnecting them to their natural floodplain, he said, adding that the work often does not involve dredging. He said Seward had already contacted him about the situation and he was looking forward to a meeting.
Another stop was at the home of Ellen and Ron Whipple on Charlotte Creek Road, where rocks from nearby formations fell into the creek and an adjoining tributary. While the house is on a hillside overlooking the creek, Ellen Whipple said she and her husband were concerned about problems from future erosion to the property.
Utter said that stream has been most affected by the 2006 flood. He said he'd like to see the waterway opened, but he has had problem getting approval for the work from the DEC.
"People are losing their land but their taxes are not decreasing," he said. If action is not taken, the creek will start eroding land from another property.
Region 4 DEC spokesman Rick Georgeson said the agency has visited thousands of sites following last year's storm damage.
"We are always willing to meet with people and review the situation" and issue the necessary permits for stream work.
After the meeting, Utter said that he hopes there is money available from the state and federal government for the work. He estimated it would cost at least $1 million to address the most dangerous spots. Utter said he appreciated Seward's prompt response to his request to tour the area.
"It was a good start," Utter said. "I think he will act."
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