A Watershed Of Funds: Senator Murphy And Putnam Officials Announce Additions To State's Inland Waterways List

MAHOPAC, NY - Many of our inland waterways are directly linked to tourism and the economic well-being of our communities. But maintaining their natural beauty is an expensive proposition. Senator Terrence Murphy is helping communities gain access to a new funding stream that will ease that burden. With a backdrop of boaters on Lake Mahopac enjoying the warm late summer weather, Senator Murphy announced that nine local lakes in Carmel, Patterson and Southeast have been added to the New York State Inland Waterways List, making them eligible for funding that will provide needed improvements and address flooding and watershed concerns.
 

"By adding these lakes to the list of inland waterways, we have empowered our local communities by giving them an opportunity receive grants that will improve our environment, infrastructure and economy," said Senator Murphy. "Our communities, especially places like Lake Mahopac, Secor Lake and Putnam Lake, deserve every opportunity to have clean and accessible waterways."

The waterways added by Senator Murphy in Carmel include Lake Mahopac, Teakettle Lake, MacGregor Lake, Secor Lake and Glencoma Lake. The waterways added in Patterson are Lake Charles, Lost Lake and Putnam Lake. Tonetta Lake in Southeast is also included on the list.

Senator Murphy also noted there was a record $300 million allocated this year through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund which funds the LWRP grant award program.  

"We have been asking for help to maintain the water quality of our lakes and streams. By gaining access to these funds, Senator Murphy has done the heavy lifting for us," said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. "We are proud of our waterways. They play an important role in tourism and Putnam County's economic development."

"I would like to thank Senator Murphy for paying attention to our lakes," said Putnam County Legislator Carl Albano. "We now have the opportunity to maintain and beautify our lakes. We can attract more visitors to the area by making our waterways the best they can be."

Pointing at Lake Mahopac, Carmel Supervisor Ken Schmitt commented, "The Mahopac Indians are thanking Senator Murphy for helping to preserve this lake. Waterfront improvement projects are expensive. We now have a funding mechanism to pay for these projects."

Also in attendance at Thursday's waterways press conference were Patterson Town Supervisor Richard Williams, Carmel Councilwoman Suzanne McDonough, former State Assemblyman Will Stephens, Conservative Party Chairman James Maxwell, Putnam County Sheriff Donald Smith, Putnam County Under Sheriff Peter Conway, Erin Meagher, Executive Director of the Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce, and Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce Board Member Larry Zacks.