Skip to main content

County Lands Nearly $1 Million to Address Kohlertown Flooding

Jeffersonville, NY – After much effort and time, local officials learned today that Sullivan County will receive $934,084 in New York State Climate Smart Communities funding to mitigate repeated, damaging flooding in the hamlet of Kohlertown, just outside the Village of Jeffersonville in the Town of Delaware.

“In concert with the Town and State authorities, we plan to install a culvert to divert floodwaters away from the homes and businesses of Kohlertown, which have had to deal with the raging Callicoon Creek and its tributary over and over and over again,” said District 5 Legislator Terri Ward, who represents the region on the County Legislature.

“I remember as a Sheriff’s deputy repeatedly responding to flood-related emergencies there,” recalled Legislature Chairman Luis Alvarez. “Considering the damage the water has done to the local economy and people’s lives, I couldn’t be happier that we’re finally getting the money to tackle this problem.”

“This good news represents the culmination of years of work by our divisions of Public Works and Planning and our offices of Sustainable Energy and Grants Administration,” noted County Manager Josh Potosek. “Our success in gaining this funding is testament to their unflagging commitment to an important project.”

“After repeated efforts to get this funding, this is fantastic, long-awaited news!” remarked Delaware Town Supervisor Ed Sykes, who has long lobbied for funds to address the issue. “The people of Kohlertown have suffered with flash flooding for far too long.”

Construction is anticipated to commence in 2020. Meanwhile, the County continues to seek other, non-State sources of funding for a project estimated to cost just over $2 million.