The Susquehanna riverbank behind Riverow in the Village of Owego was significantly eroded during the April flooding. This erosion, including tree undermining, has been going on for some time, but this year's erosion was noticeably worse. In fact, the manhole cover for the sewer interceptor line behind 214 Front Street (The Goat Boy) is exposed to the river at this point. Several years ago this manhole was approximately ten feet from the shoreline.

 As more trees along the riverbank are lost to undermining, erosion will accelerate and eventually reach the sewer interceptor line and buildings making them susceptible to 
damage from floating debris. 

 Mayor Ed Arrington has reemphasized that the Village Riverwalk Project will provide a solution for this problem. 

 The village has selected an engineering consultant firm to finalize the design of the Riverwalk and prepare a construction bid package. The consultant will be required to provide a Riverwalk design that will include riverbank stabilization to eliminate erosion.

 The Riverwalk Project is entirely funded by an Economic Development grant from Congressman Maurice Hinchey. Construction work is expected to begin in the spring of 2006.