Senator Young Announces State Funding To Clean and Preserve Allegany County's Lakes and Rivers

ALBANY – Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean) announced today she has secured state assistance for necessary dredging and invasive species prevention in Allegany County’s major lakes, streams and creeks.

As part of this year’s state budget, Senator Young successfully obtained a $100,000 grant to cover the cost of dredging Cuba Lake. The Senator also secured a $25,000 grant for the installation of a boat washing station at Rushford Lake as part of the lake’s ongoing battle against invasive aquatic species, and $30,000 for dredging and debris removal in streams and creeks across the county.

“Funding for the protection and preservation of our local lakes, rivers and streams will provide a significant cost savings for local taxpayers and improve the overall health of the county’s ecosystem. Boaters and anglers from across the region and beyond frequently avail themselves of the tremendous recreational opportunities on both lakes and this funding will provide important long-term support for these irreplaceable treasures. Having healthy and vibrant lakes and streams is crucial to the continued growth and prosperity of Allegany County,” said Senator Young.

Assemblyman Joseph Giglio (R,C,I- Gowanda), who has joined Senator Young in advocating for the local lakes and streams said, “Healthy waterways are important to the tourism, recreation and economic development sectors in Allegany County and across our region. Dredging and debris removal is important to help prevent widespread flooding and major property damage. Ensuring that our lakes are safe and available for recreational boating and fishing is equally as important. I’m proud to have worked with Senator Young during the budget process to ensure this funding is available for our local communities.”

Scott Torrey, Executive Director of the Allegany County Soil & Water Conservation District said, “I am very grateful for the funding that Senator Young was able to secure for the water bodies of Allegany County. These funds will be a great help to Cuba Lake and Rushford Lake as we strive to protect them for the recreational and economic benefit of the county. The funding for dredging and stream debris removal will help Soil & Water protect taxpayer property throughout the county. This funding will allow Allegany County Soil and Water to continue to protect the natural resources of Allegany County as it has done since 1941.”

Officials for Cuba Lake said they were thrilled when Senator Young contacted them to let them know the good news.

Jay Morris, Chairman for the Cuba Lake District said, “We are ecstatic with all the efforts Senator Young and her team have made in the stewardship of our resources in southwestern New York State. The funds they have secured for the dredging of Cuba Lake will allow us to continue to maintain and also improve safe water depths for all that enjoy one of our state’s slices of paradise. Thank you, Senator Cathy Young.”

Scott Barrey, Cuba Lake Manager, said, “I am very grateful Senator Young was able to secure funding to help with the maintenance of Cuba Lake. Our goal is to keep Cuba Lake a clean, viable recreational resource for now and into the future.”

Rushford Lake officials echoed that excitement, calling the funding “significant” in their ongoing battle to keep invasive species from the lake.

Joe Manna, Chairman for the Rushford Lake Recreation District, said, “The Rushford Lake Recreational District, and its residents, are very appreciative of the $25,000 grant Senator Young helped secure to build a wash station at Rushford Lake. We are now in the process of obtaining bids for the work. Stopping the spread of invasive species is important to Allegany County and its residents. We are truly thankful for Senator Young's help as well as Assemblyman Giglio's involvement. It is comforting to know that we have effective and influential representation in Albany. We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Young and other local officials to improve and maintain the beauty and recreational use of Rushford Lake.”