Lawmakers want protection for Keuka, Seneca lakes

Gov. Andrew Cuomo included a program in his proposed 2018 budget to address harmful algal blooms in 12 at-risk lakes in New York, but some lawmakers feel he left off two important waters.

State Sen. Tom O’Mara, R-Big Flats, and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, R-Corning, have urged Cuomo to amend his budget proposal to include Canandaigua, Keuka, and Seneca lakes on the priority list of lakes considered vulnerable to harmful algal blooms.

The governor’s proposed budget calls for $65 million in funding to establish a state program that would provide assistance and establish action plans to combat algae blooms threatening the 12 priority lakes statewide.  

Related:Harmful algae blooms found in Seneca Lake samples

That list includes Conesus, Honeoye, Chautauqua, Owasco, Skaneateles, Cayuga, Palmer and Putnam lakes, along with Lake George, Lake Carmel, and two sections of Lake Champlain.

O'Mara, Palmesano, Assembly minority leader Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua and Sen. Pam Helming, R-Geneva, wrote to Cuomo urging him to include Canandaigua, Keuka, and Seneca lakes on that priority list.

The lawmakers expressed support for the $65 million effort to protect drinking water, tourism in the Finger Lakes Region and recreational uses of the lakes.

They said the proposal doesn't go far enough, however.

"You state that the reason these twelve lakes were chosen is due to their importance as critical sources of drinking water and their vitality to tourism in Upstate New York," it read. "Yet Seneca, Canandaigua, and Keuka lakes are pivotal tourism centers, are largely used for drinking water, and have been left out of the priority lakes list eligible for funding.”

Cuomo has already announced several amendments to his proposed 2018-2019 state budget, which goes to the legislature next for review.

“It is imperative that our localities are equipped with support to combat algal blooms and there is awareness among residents and tourists of how to respond to these threats in the water if they should come upon them," the letter went on. "The presence of HABs in our lakes will only increase if we are not proactive."

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