Senator Mannion’s legislation to mitigate Cross Lake & Seneca River flooding signed into law

SYRACUSE, NY – Senator John W. Mannion (SD-50) today announced his legislation to mitigate flooding on Cross Lake, the Seneca River, and across Upstate New York was signed into law by Governor Hochul. 

The new law enables the Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force to convene with a one-year deadline to identify strategies to mitigate flooding and assist homeowners.

Senator John W. Mannion (SD-50) said, “The regular flooding of homes and business along Cross Lake and the Seneca River is unacceptable and demands a real solution from the State of New York. My legislation brings to life the dormant Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force with a charge to deliver actionable flood mitigation strategies within twelve months. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this into law and for being a strong partner on resolving the devastating and systemic flooding that has plagued these communities.”

Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said: “I look forward to working with Senator Mannion and our partners in state government as we convene the Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force. The important work we will do to collaborate and study potential solutions for improved water management is critical for forming lasting solutions for the impacted communities and businesses in this region. I am optimistic about what we will achieve by working together.”

Senator Mannion has been a strong supporter of the Cross Lake and Seneca River communities that are suffering from regular flooding. He has toured flood damage, visited with home and business owners, and worked with the governor’s office to ensure appointments to the Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force. He recently hosted a robust listening session on the issues between the community and state entities including New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Canal Corporation.  

Bruce Chilton, Town of Cato homeowner said, "This legislation is a meaningful step towards mitigating the unacceptable flooding that has devastated Cross Lake and the Seneca River in recent years. The task force will look at real solutions for cohesively managing water levels and reducing the disparate impacts of regional flooding. On behalf of those affected we thank Senator Mannion for listening to our concerns and taking legislative action, including arranging participation of NYPA and the Canal Corporation at a well-attended community meeting.”

Carl P. Wiezalis, SUNY Distinguished Professor (Emeritus), and Vice President, Central New York Waterways Association, Inc. said, "The citizens of Central New York and the members of the Central New York Waterways Association Inc., commend State Senator John Mannion and his co-sponsors for advancing timely and critical legislation designed to address and mitigate the existential problem of flooding in the Oswego River Basin. These are old, unattended problems only made worse by accelerating climate changes. The Finger Lakes, associated rivers and Cross Lake suffered disproportionately in the last twelve months with damaged infrastructure, economic loss, environmental damage and recreational interruption. We thank Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation and Senator Mannion for sponsoring this legislation, as part of statewide climate change initiatives"

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