Prattsville Homeowner Receives Funding for Flood Hazard Mitigation Elevation Project

ARKVILLE - January 21, 2025– The Catskill Watershed Corporation's (CWC) Flood Hazard Mitigation Implementation Program (FHMIP) was started in 2014. The program aims to protect local communities from repetitive flood damage while simultaneously protecting the water supply for half the population of New York State. Mr. Ed Rivera, owner of a residence in Prattsville, Greene County, was the recipient of numerous grant awards for the elevation of his property to two feet above base flood elevation (BFE). 

Mr. Rivera first applied to CWC for a feasibility study to determine what options were available and what engineering professionals would determine to be the best recommendation for long-term protection. Mr. Rivera’s consultant determined that elevating the property was the best option. CWC covered 100% of the costs of the feasibility study. 

Next, Mr. Rivera applied for design costs for the elevation project. Similar to the feasibility study process, Mr. Rivera was able to choose an engineering firm of his choice to perform the work. CWC once again covered the entire cost of the design. 

Upon completion of the design, Mr. Rivera weighed his options whether to progress with the project. Ultimately, Mr. Rivera did apply to CWC after receiving quotes for the construction work. CWC approved the grant application, awarding 75% of the estimated elevation construction costs. 

Mr. Rivera’s contractors have been working throughout the year to elevate the property. The project included extensive measures to elevate the existing structure to meet new standards. The project scope included excavation and removal of the old foundation, which will be buried on-site. The house had to be jacked up roughly 11 feet to facilitate the installation of new footings and a foundation, before being set back onto its new base. The project also included new walls and floor framing, as well as the reconstruction of the entire back room, including the roof. To allow and enhance accessibility and safety, new steps and railings were constructed with a top deck landing. Additionally, the project covers the disconnecting and reconnection of water and sewer systems, the installation of a new electric service and meter raised 2 feet above the base flood elevation, and hookups of the existing house wiring into a new panel. Furthermore, the boiler and water heater will be connected, and the floor joists will receive spray foam insulation to improve energy efficiency. 

In total, Mr. Rivera was awarded nearly $250,000 for his property protection project. CWC sees the funding of this project as a win-win-win for all involved. A local property owner in the Watershed can have long term confidence that their property will be more protected from future flood damage. The local community has an improved, safe, and code compliant structure contributing the tax base. And, the NYC water supply is protected from harmful contaminants that could have entered the Schoharie Reservoir if the property had flooded once again. 

The Prattsville elevation project is just one of many projects that has been funded through CWC’s Flood Hazard Program throughout the Watershed. The program provides grant funding for a number of eligible projects, ranging from anchoring of existing oil or propane tanks within the 100 year flood plain, property relocations, public infrastructure protection projects, and individual property protection measures. Property owners and municipal leaders in hamlets and villages within the West of Hudson Watershed are encouraged to contact CWC for information regarding grants for projects to mitigate future flood damage.

CWC is a locally based and locally staffed non-profit Local Development Corporation responsible for several environmental protection, economic development, and education programs in the New York City Watershed West of the Hudson River. www.cwconline.org