Senator Nozzolio Calls on International Joint Commission to Protect Local Residents and Stop Plan 2014

Urges local residents to voice their opposition to this plan

State Senator Mike Nozzolio today called for plans to change the way Lake Ontario water levels are regulated to be delayed until measures are taken to protect the properties of those who have homes and businesses along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Additionally, Senator Nozzolio is urging members of the public to contact the International Joint Commission (IJC) and voice their opposition to this devastating plan.

“The sustained high levels of water called for in PLAN 2014 will result in drastically increased erosion damage to the shoreline.  It will create problems in our local water and sewage treatment plants and damage our roads and highways.  The policy changes suggested during periods of high water could also submerge the main business and recreation districts in low lying communities like the Village of Sodus Point and other towns and villages along the Lake Ontario shoreline,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.

The proposed regulations, known as the PLAN 2014, would allow water levels in Lake Ontario to consistently fluctuate outside the parameters that have been in place for over 50 years, causing the loss of shoreline, erosion damage to property and flooding in lakefront areas of Wayne, Monroe, and Cayuga Counties.

“A moratorium on the development of any future proposals by the IJC is needed until a thorough, objective and all inclusive analysis of the potential economic damages to tourism, recreation, business and homes along the south shore of Lake Ontario, can be undertaken,” said Senator Nozzolio. “As the New York State Senator representing all of Wayne County and portions of Cayuga and Monroe Counties, I remain strongly opposed to the IJC's proposed plan to regulate the water levels along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway and I urge the IJC to scrap its current plan and start again using the information and personal testimony from the individuals and business owners who live and work in the areas most affected by this plan.”

Senator Nozzolio is also encouraging local residents to participate in the public comment period on this proposal, which ends August 30^th,  by submitting their views and concerns to Commission@washington.ijc.org or writing to:

International Joint Commission

U.S. Section

2000 L Street, NW

Suite #615

Washington, DC 20440