Supervisor reports NECRA screening results and announces $4.675M BAN to fund phase 2 studies

Supervisor Keating gave an update on NECRA-related work by the New York State DEC and EPA, noting county drop-in sessions for residents and a hotline for questions. He reported that about 1,078 access forms had been signed by property owners, 847 had been screened, and preliminary reviews indicated roughly 514 properties received notifications that no additional radiological investigation was needed. He said DEC referred 32 parcels within Erie County to EPA for further investigation and four properties were recommended for voluntary temporary relocation.

Keating also said the Erie County Water Authority audit identified 135 town parcels with unpaid water bills attributed to approximately $91,000; the supervisor said the town will place those amounts back on property tax bills, which could push the town toward its tax cap. Finally, Keating announced the town will issue a bank anticipation note for $4,675,000, which includes $1,085,000 of new money to fund required engineering, geotechnical and environmental studies for phase 2 of the continuing project.

"There is a drop in tabling session, for residents to learn more about the NECRA project... As of two days ago, there were approximately 1,078 signed access forms by residential owners to allow the EPA and DEC onto individuals' properties," Keating said. He encouraged residents to contact the NECRA helpline for more information and said the town will report material local impacts as they are confirmed.