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State aid for sewage problems in Syracuse

East Syracuse is getting some help from the state for a project it hopes will reduce sewage backups and run-off.

Former Syracuse mayor and current head of New York’s Environmental Facilities Corporation Matt Driscoll today delivered a check for approximately $280,000 to help with the work.

The village is working to divert storm water runoff from some of its larger buildings into rain gardens.

Driscoll says it helps prevent overflows which can be bad for the environment and unhealthy.

"It really helps residents avoid what can be costly problems when they have raw sewage back into their homes so the use of green infrastructure is really a critical way we can help inspire communities to use thoughtful methods to address storm water runoff," Driscoll said.

By diverting heavy rains and snow melts away from the sewer system, pipes and treatment centers don’t get flooded.

The project will cost the village about 3-million dollars.

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