The Steuben County Department of Public Works (DPW) has worked tirelessly and collaboratively to restore the heart of the community following the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Debby. The flooding caused by the storm-ravaged homes, farmland, roads, and bridges across Steuben County, leaving many areas in peril. Yet, through hard work, determination, and a network of support, Steuben County DPW has brought the county back from the brink of disaster. Under the leadership of Commissioner Eric Rose, the department has undertaken a monumental recovery effort, exceeding expectations in both speed and effectiveness.
“It has been an incredibly challenging time, but Steuben County’s resilience shines through. Our team, working alongside local governments and our partners, has done an outstanding job to not only repair the immediate damage but also implement long-term solutions to prevent further destruction,” said Commissioner Eric Rose.
Key Efforts to Reduce Future Damage
In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby, the DPW immediately sprang into action, focusing on proactive measures to prevent further damage to roads, bridges, and communities. Key efforts include:
Clearing Debris and Gravel Build-Up: Crews worked relentlessly to remove woody debris and gravel build-ups from this flood in areas such as CR31 and CR14. These efforts have restored creek channels and will reduce the risk of future flooding.
Reinforcing Infrastructure: Extra protections were added to stone retaining walls, and creek banks that had been scoured by the floodwaters were re-established. Heavy stone was placed in these areas for added long-term protection, minimizing future risk.
Scour Protection Along Bridges: DPW crews have been working through the winter to protect bridge abutments and wing walls from further erosion and scour. Heavy stone fills have been added to prevent further damage when weather permits.
Major Undertakings and Key Highlights
The DPW’s efforts have focused on the most heavily impacted areas, where the damage was the worst. Notable undertakings include:
CR14 Restoration: One of the most difficult sections to repair, this stretch from the CR 119 to CR 69 intersection had major debris and gravel blockages near the culvert at CR 119. Crews worked tirelessly to clear the channel, re-establish shoulders and embankments, and replace damaged guide rails and road surfaces. The narrow creek channel and solid shale creek bed made repairs particularly challenging.
CR31 Reconstruction: Four major sections of CR31 were undermined by floodwaters, rendering the road impassable. DPW crews brought in large equipment, including off-road dump trucks, and replaced the damaged subsurface with gravel, reopening the road to traffic. Repairs included cleaning the creek channel, re-establishing slopes, and replacing or restacking large stone fills to prevent future erosion.
CR119 Bridge Debris Removal: A particularly unique and dangerous situation occurred at the CR119 bridge, where floodwaters brought with them a half-split house along with trees and other debris. The debris created a significant blockage at the bridge inlet. To avoid catastrophic damage, DPW coordinated with a contractor skilled in demolition and debris removal. Together, they safely removed the debris, saving the bridge and preventing further damage.
Town of Woodhull: Significant damage impacted bridges and pavement on County Route 129. County crews removed debris and gravel, improved retaining walls and rip rap placements, re-shaped stream channels, fixed guiderails, and replaced damaged pavement. Gravel and silt deposits were removed from the Fireman’s Field with a bulldozer. Several culvert pipes were also either cleaned out or replaced on County Route 129. On Harder Road, the bridge approach was re-established, debris was removed, and additional scour protection rock was placed around the abutments. A bulldozer was also used to clean the stream channel in this location.
DPW’s Coordination and Community Support
The recovery efforts have been marked by seamless coordination between the Steuben County DPW and various local and regional entities, further highlighting the county’s spirit of cooperation and resilience.
Local Partnerships: DPW’s established relationships with municipalities and neighboring counties allowed for an efficient response. Many surrounding towns offered trucking support and other forms of assistance, demonstrating the unity of the region in times of crisis.
Collaboration with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Steuben County Soil and Water Division: DPW worked closely with the Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District to coordinate scour protection rock projects and permitting, ensuring compliant repairs. The flexibility of NYSDEC during this period allowed the repairs to be swiftly completed and was greatly appreciated.
Support from County Management and Legislature: The county’s leadership has been unwavering in its support. The County Manager’s Office and the Legislature helped secure necessary funding for repairs, enabling DPW to continue with critical work without delay.
The commitment shown by the Steuben County Department of Public Works during this crisis is a testament to the community’s strength and resilience. Through leadership, collaboration, and hard work, Steuben County is well on its way to fully recovering from Tropical Storm Debby’s devastation.
“I’d like to thank our crews for the tremendous effort that they have put forward thus far, and to acknowledge the support that we have received to date at the local, state, and federal levels,” said Commissioner Rose. “I’d also like to recognize the significant contributions of the community members who volunteered their time and resources to aid in the rebuilding efforts. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in accelerating progress and have fostered a stronger sense of community during a challenging time.”
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