New York Construction Report staff writer
The Buffalo Sewer Authority will receive $29.3 million in State funding for the design and construction of combined sewer overflow controls on Breckenridge Street.
“This is a major investment in Buffalo’s future and in the basic infrastructure our residents rely on every day,” Mayor Sean Ryan said in a statement. “For too long, aging sewer systems have threatened water quality and public health.
“This project makes long-overdue improvements, helps protect the Black Rock Canal, and moves us closer to ending combined sewer overflows in Buffalo.”
The project will eliminate discharge of sewage and stormwater into the Black Rock Canal from the Breckenridge Street combined sewer overflow. Construction will take place along West Avenue between Lafayette Avenue and Breckenridge Street, as well as Breckenridge Street between West Avenue and Herkimer Street. Last year, more than 5 million gallons of combined sewage were discharged from this site, making it one of the most active overflow locations in the Buffalo Sewer Authority system.
In addition to eliminating sewer overflows, construction will support the long-term integrity of a 166-year-old sewer beneath Breckenridge Street, replace failing sewers along West Avenue between Breckenridge and Lafayette, restore tree canopy along impacted streets, and replace lead water service lines affected by construction. Construction is expected to begin this spring and continue over the next 2-3 years.
“Buffalo Sewer is excited to begin construction on this impactful Queen City Clean Waters Initiative project that will eliminate the overflow of sewage and stormwater to the Black Rock Canal at the base of Breckenridge Street,” said Rosaleen Nogle, principal sanitary engineer for the Buffalo Sewer Authority. “We are grateful to New York State for ensuring that this vital environmental project can advance to improve water quality while minimizing the financial burden on our ratepayers.”
