Auburn – New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio today delivered a $60,000 state grant to fund the position of a lake steward to help oversee the protection of Owasco Lake. Senator Nozzolio was joined by officials from the City of Auburn and Cayuga County to make the announcement at a community meeting held at Emerson Park pavilion.
“The creation of a lake steward is a significant piece of our on-going efforts to clean-up Owasco Lake,” said Senator Nozzolio. “Today’s announcement is great news for the thousands of people who rely on Owasco Lake for their drinking water as well as the thousands who enjoy Owasco Lake for all the recreational opportunities that it provides.”
The lake steward will have authority to ensure compliance regulations by local municipalities to protect the water quality of Owasco Lake. Senator Nozzolio provided the state funding for the first year of the position under the terms that the City, County and Town of Owasco would continue to provide the funding in the future. Today’s announcement is the culimination of that proposal.
At today’s meeting, Senator Nozzolio provided an update to local residents on the water quality of Owasco Lake and the initiatives that have been taken over the past year to improve the lake. As part of the presentation, Dr. John Halfman of the Finger Lakes Institute provided an analysis of the research he has done on the Lake since last summer, including the most recent studies on the amount of phosphorous in the Lake.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the community to review the progress that has been made and discuss further actions that are needed to preserve and protect Owasco Lake.
As part of his efforts to preserve Owasco Lake, Senator Nozzolio has successfully secured nearly $500,000 over the past year to address the critical issues threatening the Lake.
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