Senator Young Announces State Funding for Conesus Lake, Livingston County Waterways

ALBANY – Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) announced today that she has obtained state assistance for invasive species prevention at Conesus Lake and additional state aid for dredging and invasive species prevention efforts county-wide.

 

As part of this year’s state budget, Senator Young secured a $50,000 grant to assist the Conesus Lake Association with their ongoing efforts to prevent invasive species. The funding will be used for the installation of a new boat washing station. 

 

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), boats can spread aquatic invasive species from water body to water body unless properly cleaned. 

 

“This grant is positive news for the area residents and visitors who utilize Conesus Lake. The lake is beloved by many, including me, for its small-craft boating and fishing potential. I have many childhood memories of Conesus Lake, and we want future generations to have the same recreational opportunities,” said Senator Young.  

 

“Conesus Lake brings thousands of visitors to the Finger Lakes Region from across the state and beyond, offering an important economic influx. It also is a major drinking water resource. A new boat washing station will help ensure that the lake remains open and healthy for the next generation of residents and tourist, alike,” she said.

 

“The Conesus Lake boat launch had more boats visit than any of the other 22 locations spread across nine Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario last year, averaging 90 boats per day. Certainly the lake needs this equipment to battle invasive species,” Senator Young said. 

 

Representatives of the Conesus Lake Association Inc. said they were “thrilled” when they received news of the grant funding.

 

Mike Saviola, President of the Conesus Lake Association, Inc., said, “Members of the Conesus Lake Association are extremely grateful for the support that Senator Young has provided to this critical funding. Although we, along with our partners, have been funding a Watercraft Steward Program as a ‘first line of defense’ against the introduction of new and damaging invasive species into Conesus Lake for a few years, we know that a visual inspection can only stop a portion of the many threats we face. Decontamination of boats, trailers, and related equipment is the only way to ensure invasive species don’t go from other water bodies into our lake, and vice-versa. Unfortunately, Conesus Lake did not have the resources necessary to take us to this higher standard of prevention. Now, thanks to the hard work of Senator Young and her staff—and her commitment to preserving our valuable lake—we look forward to putting a boat decontamination station into service on Conesus Lake. We’re confident that it will go far to preserve our lake for many years to come.”

 

Senator Young was also able to obtain a $25,000 grant for the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District which will assist the organization with flood prevention efforts, dredging of streams and creeks, and invasive species prevention in other county waterways. 

 

Senator Young said, “Livingston County, and the Finger Lakes Region as a whole, receives a tremendous economic benefit from vibrant local waterways. Over the past few years, we’ve also seen how our creeks and streams can wreak havoc on the local infrastructure and personal property, especially as a result of severe flooding. State assistance for the Soil and Water Conservation District will allow for preventive measures to be established so that these heartbreaking scenes will not be repeated in the future.”

 

Officials from the organization and local government expressed their appreciation for the Senator’s efforts. 

 

Bob Stryker, Manager of the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District, said, “Our county has a total of 58 major stream corridors. At any time a stream can have a dramatic impact on a residence’s property and livelihood.  This funding will greatly enhance the Livingston County Soil & Water Conservation District’s efforts to protect natural resources and the property of our residents.”

 

Ian Coyle, Livingston County Administrator, said, “We are grateful to Senator Young for securing funding to protect water and property resources in Livingston County.  Conesus Lake as an important natural resource and public drinking water supply for Livingston County residents, and the addition of a boat washing station will improve the effectiveness of the Conesus Lake Watercraft Steward Program and bring greater public awareness to the importance of invasive species prevention. We also appreciate the funding for the Livingston County Soil & Water Conservation District to address erosion and flooding along our waterways. Invasive species and clogged waterways can have tangible affects on property values and our local economy, and we are fortunate to have Senator Young looking out for our needs in addressing these issues.”