Senator Pam Helming and Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey announced that more than $2 million in state funding has been awarded to Livingston County communities to strengthen local infrastructure and better protect residents from future weather-related events.
The funding, provided through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) and Nonpoint Source Planning grant programs, will support locally driven projects that improve flood resiliency, protect water quality, and help rural communities prepare for more intense storm activity.

Funding Awards Include:

Town of Avon - $1.9 million
The Town of Avon will replace two culverts on Little Conesus Creek that were severely damaged during recent storms. The new structures will reduce a barrier to aquatic connectivity, allowing fish and other wildlife to move more freely through the stream, while also improving the creek’s ability to handle future high-water events.

Town of Avon - $50,000
The Town of Avon will conduct a comprehensive assessment of stream culverts along Little Conesus Creek. The study will include engineering designs to upgrade six undersized or failing culverts. Implementing these recommendations will improve flood resiliency and reduce ongoing streambank erosion.

Village of Dansville - $50,000
The Village of Dansville will evaluate five undersized stream culverts along a tributary to Mud Creek that have contributed to significant flooding, streambank erosion, and threats to nearby homes and infrastructure. The assessment will include design plans to upgrade the culverts to accommodate increased stream flow.

Senator Helming said, “After seeing firsthand the damage caused by last summer's intense rain events and the flash flooding, this funding is absolutely necessary as it allows our communities to repair infrastructure and rebuild it stronger. It’s a smart investment of taxpayer dollars that will allow the Town of Avon and the Village of Dansville to reduce future flood risks and protect homes and businesses while making these communities more resilient. This progress would not be possible without the hard work, partnership, and continued commitment of our local leaders, who have moved these important projects forward."

Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey said, “The funding that the Town of Avon and the Village of Dansville have secured will be utilized for needed culvert replacement and comprehensive assessments within their localities. These investments come at a crucial time, as recent storms have underscored the vulnerabilities in our local infrastructure and the importance of strengthening the systems that protect our communities. This work will help reduce flood risks, safeguard our neighborhoods, and preserve the natural resources that are central to our quality of life. I appreciate the commitment of our local leaders and remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance public safety and long-term community resilience.”  

David LeFeber, Supervisor, Town of Avon, said, “We appreciate the two grant awards. The assessment award will help lay the foundation to protect our residents and property from future storm events. The culvert replacement grant will finish repairing infrastructure damaged in last June’s storms. The town will utilize these funds soon as we plan to fix the culverts and complete the assessment.”
Barry Haywood, Mayor, Village of Dansville, added, “We are most appreciative of the support we have received from Senator Helming in assisting our Village in receiving a $50,000 WQIP grant to address a culvert assessment. We have five such culverts, which are undersized and cause flooding and erosion to adjacent residential properties. This grant will lead us in rectifying this situation.”

About the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP)
The WQIP program provides state funding to municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations for projects that reduce polluted runoff, improve aquatic habitat, and strengthen local resilience to flooding.

About the Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Mapping grant (NPG)
The NPG grant supports early-stage planning for non-agricultural water quality improvement projects and requires urban storm sewer mapping, helping communities reduce polluted stormwater runoff and strengthen resilience to climate impacts.