Alfred State College students help flood cleanup efforts in Steuben Co.

STEUBEN COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) -- Alfred State College Heavy Equipment Operations Seniors are assisting flood cleanup efforts in Steuben County, after the severe flooding caused by Debby last month hit the area.

So far, the students are working on rebuilding a creek that runs through a farm in Jasper and building a new softball field for the Jasper-Troupsburg School District, according to Alfred State College.

Students are using equipment brought from Alfred State, as well as some gear rented and loaned by the Jasper-Troupsburg School District and Steuben County.

Helping clean up is also a learning experience for the students.

"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,” said Brian Adams, Heavy Equipment Operations Instructor.

Students say they are happy with the work they are doing.

"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,” said Preston Bilotta, a student at Alfred State College.

The students will continue to assist clean up efforts throughout the fall semester.