Millions in federal funds may be coming to solve a drainage problem that's plagued the Village of Schoharie for decades.
The Spring Brook project is one of 10 statewide that Governor Andrew Cuomo is recommending for funding by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Governor is seeking $3.8 million for the project, which may also include another drainage trouble spot in the Village of Schoharie.
Although Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee demonstrated how serious Spring Brook drainage is, the brook often floods during normal spring runoffs.
Spring Brook flooding fills cellars and leaves standing water through Schoharie's residential section.
"It's been a problem forever," said Mayor John Borst. "Every time Schoharie Creek floods, the whole thing gets overloaded.
"It's been an issue for generations."
Spring Brook starts behind the former Great American and runs northwest through the residential area, under the old SSA building "and dumps out just beyond the school," according to Assemblyman Pete Lopez.
A village resident, Assemblyman Lopez is familiar with Spring Brook. He's studied the problem since he was a village trustee in the early 1980s.
The brook used to flow naturally until changes in landscape and closed culverts in the old railroad bed diverted the water.
"It's from natural springs that used to just drain on the flood plain," Assemblyman Lopez said. "But now, historically, it's been a problem.
"I've been advocating this for over 30 years, since I was 21 on the village board. Now I'm 54."
The project would establish a drainage pattern to cure the problem, Assemblyman Lopez said. Property owners support the plan, he added.
The FEMA funding provides 75 percent of the project cost, and the remaining 25 percent is a local share.
However, Schoharie hopes to have Housing and Urban Development cover the 25 percent, according to Mike Harrington of Lamont Engineers, who's been working on the project.
"Schoharie's funding consultant is very optimistic the HUD piece will follow," Mr. Harrington said.
It's unclear, however, what will be included in the entire project. The $3.8 million appears to be too much money for the Spring Brook project alone, so the funding may address another drainage problem just south of the old Great American.
But even if it's just for Spring Brook, the money targets a longstanding problem.
"We have plans from the '90s, but that's only when our involvement started," Mr. Harrington said. "It's been going on for longer than that.
"This is a great first start. Schoharie is one of 10 to get picked in the first round. That's pretty good."
The 10 projects named by Governor Cuomo total $128 million. They include projects in Schenectady, Delaware County, Nassau County, Staten Island and Suffolk County, among others.