New York DEC and DOS Partner To Revitalize Mohawk Valley River

Albany, NY (WIBX) - Two state agencies are forming a working group to revitalize the Mohawk River.

New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, and Department of State, are promoting communities in the Mohawk Valley, while reducing flood risks and sustaining the environment.

Following the lead of New York Congressman Paul Tonko and the Mighty Waters Initiative, Governor Cuomo urged the two agencies to focus on completing the tasks.

Jim Tierney, Assistant Commissioner for Water Resources with the DEC, says the goal of the group is simple.

"We have to think harder, collaborate better, and come up with more ingenious ways of going forward with both economic development and environmental sustainability together," Tierney said. "The Governor and Commissioner are convinced that we can do both, and we have to do both if we want to be ultimately successful."

Tierney says they will work with local governments, businesses and institutions to receive federal funds that may become available.