The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District and the New York State Department of Transportation have signed an amended Project Partnership Agreement for the Athol Springs Shoreline Protection project allowing the project to move forward fully-funded by the federal government.
After the project received $6 million from the 2018 Continuing Authority Supplemental Appropriations an amended PPA was necessary to change the project from cost shared 65% federal, 35% non-federal to 100% federally funded.
"I'm pleased that NYSDOT and the Army Corps of Engineers have finally worked out their differences and reached an agreement in principle to rebuild the crumbling break wall that shields drivers from the waves that crash onto Route 5 in Athol Springs," said Senator Schumer. "While I was proud to fight for and deliver the rare, 100% federal funding for this vital project, the fact of the matter is that we simply cannot afford to wait any more delay on this long-sought barrier that will protect a main artery between Buffalo and the Southtowns and ensure the safety of residents and commuters alike. Now let's get shovels in the ground A-S-A-P, because Western New York has waited long enough."
“The completion of this seawall repair project is crucial to the residents in my district and those travelling through southern Erie County, which is why I have worked in support of the Army Corps to get this agreement finalized,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “I applaud the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New York State Department of Transportation for signing the Project Partnership Agreement for the Athol Springs Shoreline Protection. This will not only prevent hazardous travel conditions, but also prevent local businesses and homeowners from facing hardships.”
“I am extremely pleased an agreement is now in place for the Athol Springs Breakwater Project and that the funding is not in danger of being reallocated,” said State Senator Chris Jacobs. “I hope that all parties involved will move as quickly as possible so this important work can begin in this construction season. The sooner this project is completed, the sooner we can ensure the protection of the seawall and the safety of the motorists and pedestrians along this highly travelled section of Route 5.”
“Signing of the PPA is a sign of the strong partnership between the Corps of Engineers and NYSDOT, setting the stage to deliver a successful project,” said LTC Jason Toth, USACE Buffalo District Commander. “We appreciate the continued support of all our elected officials, and our team is pushing forward to award and deliver this project that will protect the deteriorating seawall along Route 5 from Lake Erie during storm and wave action events.”
Contract award for the construction phase is expected by late-September. Once the contract is awarded we will work with the contractor to move dirt as soon as possible.
The Athol Springs Shoreline Protection project was one of two Buffalo District projects funded under the Continuing Authority Supplemental Appropriations, the other being the LaSalle Park Shoreline Protection in partnership with City of Buffalo.
Release no. 19-016