Local lawmakers designate six Lewisboro lakes for revitalization

ewisboro, NY - Many of our lakes are directly linked to tourism and the economic prosperity of our communities. However, maintaining their natural beauty and keeping them free of pollution is an expensive proposition. To help ease that burden, Senator Murphy has sponsored S8252A, a bill designating six lakes in the Lewisboro area as inland waterways. The designation makes Lake Waccabuc, Lake Oscaleta, Lake Rippowam, Lake Kitchawan in Lewisboro as well as Lake Truesdale in South Salem and Lake Katonah in Golden's Bridge eligible for state funding for waterfront revitalization projects.
 
"Maintaining clean and accessible waterways is a priority for all of our communities. With the passage of this legislation we now have the opportunity to maintain and beautify six more local lakes," said Senator Murphy. "Lewisboro residents have a tremendous environmental conscious which is reflected in the continued preservation of the town's natural beauty.  By adding these lakes to the list of inland waterways, we have empowered our local communities by giving them an opportunity receive a funding stream that will improve our environment, infrastructure, and economy."
 
Assemblyman David Buchwald sponsored A10443, the companion bill in the Assembly. He said, "By adding these lakes to New York State's list of inland waterways, municipalities can develop a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, to pursue the goals of improved water quality, preservation of open space and wildlife habitat and promotion of tourism and economic development. This designation makes these communities eligible to pursue public and private funding for needed waterfront revitalization projects."
 
Lewisboro Town Supervisor Peter Parsons added, "Our lakes are a centerpiece of our towns and contribute greatly to their beauty and attraction for our residents."

Lakes Waccabuc, Oscaleta, and Rippowam, known as the Three Lakes, along with Lakes Kitchawan, Katonah, and Truesdale, are home to pastoral lakefront communities that supply New York City's drinking water. However, each of the lakes face unique challenges and have at times been classified as impaired on the State's waterbody inventory.