Numerous east-side suburbs are expected to receive grants to promote green projects in their communities.
The county’s Save the Rain program will be extended to 12 suburban communities with 14 projects, resulting in $3 million in updates. The projects will now go before the county legislature to be approved in May and June.
The suburban projects are an extension of more than 50 projects within the city in the last year. The suburban green infrastructure projects were solicited by the county Department of Water Environment Protection, which has been tasked with capturing 250 million gallons of storm water per year through green projects. That was mandated by a federal court order.
“The expansion of the Save the Rain program into suburban towns and villages is great news for our community,” said County Executive Joanie Mahoney.
Those who will receive grants, once passed by the legislature, include:
DeWitt for $342,000
The town is expected to create rain barrels and plant trees in the Park Hill neighborhood. The town will also create a water quality infiltration system designed with underground perforated piping.
The town’s second project will include rain barrels and tree planting in Franklin Park, distributing 800 rain barrels to homeowners.
Village of Manlius for $3,000
The village will distribute 25 rain barrels on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Village of Fayetteville for $360,000
As part of the ongoing Limestone Plaza renovations and repairs, the project will use porous pavement, rain gardens and newly-planted trees to reduce inflow and infiltration into the county’s sewer.
The new parking spaces would be created out of porous asphalt that would allow rainwater to seep through the material. This would help the village control where the water goes, so that it does not overpower the sewer system.
The bump-outs in the intersections would also be constructed with rain gardens. Additional trees will help in the overall green infrastructure, as well as helping to calm drivers on the road.
Village of East Syracuse for $115,000
A rain garden would be created on the Department of Public Works property to capture runoff from the roof.
Town of Manlius for $10,500
The underground infiltration system for the Murfield drainage district will be retrofitted, replacing an existing system that is more than 30 years old.
