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��Ӱֱ�� State College senior Heavy Equipment Operation majors are gaining real-world experience this semester as they assist local communities in rebuilding after the floods that caused damage across the Southern Tier. The project helps hard-hit communities, provides hands-on experience for students, and is very gratifying to faculty and staff as these neighbors in need are so very grateful. 

Under the direction of their instructor Brian Adams, the senior class of students will be in the communities of Jasper, Troupsburg, and Woodhull assisting local governments, and residents with cleanup projects.  

Currently, the group is rebuilding a creek that runs through a farm in Jasper and working with the Jasper Troupsburg School District to build a new softball field in a different area from their current athletic complex to minimize the chance of future flooding. 

“Once the flood hit, it brought back a lot of memories,” commented Adams. “At this very spot three years ago, my seniors helped the Steuben County Soil and Water division clean out this creek. On the fourth day of class this semester, we packed up and set up. We have been busy.” 

Adams knew that the area would need help with cleanup and contacted Jeff Parker from Steuben County Soil and Water. “We have developed a good working relationship, and we have done really good projects with them. Projects that have taught our students about creek laws and what you can and cannot do.” 

Using a combination of ��Ӱֱ�� State gear, equipment rented or loaned by the school district and the county, and a partnership with Monroe Tractor, students were immediately working and a moved a lot of material. The plan is to continue to help throughout this fall semester. 

“It’s definitely a great learning experience,” stated Preston Bilotta (Cuba, NY). “Being local, I knew the storm had hit this area. So, to be able to come to help these folks out means a lot. We showed up here and this place was a wreck.” 

While working on the new softball field, Andrew Clegg (Clinton Corners, NY) commented, “It is unfortunate that the flood happened but it's giving us lots of real-world opportunities and experience. This is a wonderful learning opportunity.” 

Bilotta cannot wait to look at the before and after pictures. “It is all slowly shaping together. As this progresses it is truly remarkable how much we've done. We've done so many different things and it's turning into a whole new place.”  

Adams continued, “For some of these second-year students this is really the first opportunity for them to get their hands behind the wheel and do work. You can’t get any better practice than standing right here. We are learning how to lay out things and how to do math with a grade rod. Instead of trying to write it on a board, we are really doing it in a real-life setting.”  

“We hope to keep working on projects to help these towns get back on their feet.”