Cuomo Threatens Legal Action If CSX Bridge Is Not Rebuilt

Governor Andrew Cuomo has sent a letter to CSX Railroad, threatening legal action if the CSX railroad bridge over the Sauquoit Creek in the Village of Whitesboro is not rebuilt.

He says flooding has become a common occurrence at the bridge and has become a significant public health and safety hazard for the local community.

Cuomo says a faulty bridge design leads to debris and ice buildup, resulting in flooding and property damage.

The Governor was in Whitesboro last week to get a look at the most recent flooding caused by the Sauquoit Creek.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente issued the following statement on New York pursuing legal action against CSX:

“I completely agree with Gov. Cuomo’s action to directly deal with CSX and his call for the company to handle its obligation to the Village of Whitesboro, and I fully support pursuing legal action in order to force compliance,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente. “For far too long our pleas for CSX to fix its bridge have fallen on deaf ears and the residents and businesses of Whitesboro have been made to suffer. Oneida County has stepped forward in the past with funding to help assist these flooding victims, and continues to work with the Village of Whitesboro, Town of Whitestown and the State of New York to mitigate these issues, but we can only do so much. Time and time again, the flooding caused by this bridge’s faulty design has taken a mental, physical and financial toll on our community. I would appreciate a responsible, constructive and immediate response from CSX to the Governor’s letter.”