LIVINGSTON MANOR - Flooding has been an issue in Livingston Manor for quite sometime, with the most recent floods hitting the hamlet on October 30. Despite these chronic troubles, help is on the way.

On Tuesday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that the state will provide up to $50,000 for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study of Livingston Manor. The funding was secured with assistance from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.

“The people who live in Livingston Manor have worked so hard to rebuild and repair flood damage time and time again,” Assemblywoman Gunther said. “This study will help find a solution that works for everyone.”

Funds will be used to undertake the Livingston Manor Flood Control Feasibility Study.

“It is with great satisfaction and anticipation that we have been waiting for such needed support from our state agencies. I can't say enough about our Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, who has witnessed first-hand, the devastation of flooding to our communities,” said Rob Eggleton, supervisor of the Town of Rockland. “Time and time again. We have been working with the ACOE and the DEC for some time now to develop a plan to reduce flooding in our area. Our small town atmosphere is a driving force for many new businesses, and the assistance from our state agencies will help bring about positive change, and continued growth for those who look for a more healthy lifestyle and quality of life.”

A joint effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DEC, the Town of Rockland, the Livingston Manor Flood Control Feasibility Study was originally initiated in 2009. In 2016, the study was re-envisioned to focus solely on flood control, which required additional funding. In October 2017, DEC committed to providing up to $50,000 to finalize the study.

The DEC is currently working with the U.S. Army Corps to finalize a contract for the project. The study is anticipated to be completed in 2018.

Following completion of the study, the U.S. Army Corps will begin the design and construction phase of the project with federal, state and local funding.