Jamestown will receive $1.25 million from the federal government for its Stormwater Channel Maintenance Project, an investment aimed at reducing flooding risks and protecting public safety along the Chadakoin River.

The funding will support the restoration and maintenance of stormwater channels by removing accumulated sediment, debris, and obstructions that threaten nearby homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure. The improvements will help ensure stormwater flows safely through the system, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.

“Jamestown has experienced firsthand how devastating flooding can be to families, businesses, and critical transportation routes,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-23. “This $1.25 million investment will help reduce flood risks, protect public safety, and preserve vital infrastructure. This is exactly what government should be focused on–making smart, responsible investments in the infrastructure people rely on every single day. Safe water, flood control, and reliable public systems are essential to a functioning community, and when we get these basics right, we can be in a strong position to grow, attract investment, and thrive.”

The Chadakoin River and its stormwater channels have a documented history of flooding and related issues that have impacted Jamestown and surrounding communities. Langworthy said it is important to undertake proactive maintenance along the river to safeguard major transportation corridors and prevent damage to state, county, and local infrastructure. In addition to improving flood resilience, the project will help preserve the ecological health of the river system and surrounding environment.

City officials had requested funding for the project in 2025, with Langworthy submitting funding requests for 2025 and 2026. Mayor Kim Ecklund said in her 2025 State of the City address that the city received $1.25 million in 2025, with another $1.25 million now approved for 2026.

In addition to the funding Langworthy has secured over the past two years, the city approved more than $900,000 in federal ARPA funding to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy in 2022 and 2023 to trim trees, remove debris downstream of Warner Dam, use herbicides to kill and then remove Tree of Heaven, an invasive species that attracts the spotted lanternfly and removal of two large beaver dams off Jones & Gifford Avenue.