Write a commentThis week, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) lead efforts in Congress to address rising water levels and flooding affecting Lake Ontario shoreline communities.
In letters to House appropriators, Rep. Katko and his colleagues urged an investment in a multipurpose watershed study to address coastal resiliency across the Great Lakes, and asked that no funding be used to further implement the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Plan (Plan 2014).
“With another season of high water levels along Lake Ontario, shoreline communities have dealt with costly and devastating consequences, including flooding, erosion, and severe break wall damage,” said Rep. John Katko. “I’m proud to lead efforts in the House to urge a greater federal investment in mitigating these threats. The Great Lakes Resiliency Study proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would facilitate cooperation between federal, state, and local officials in assessing coastal vulnerabilities throughout the Great Lakes.”
Rep. Katko continued, “Simultaneously, I firmly believe federal dollars should not be used to fund Plan 2014. The IJC still lacks a presiding quorum, and cannot meet to analyze the efficacy of Plan 2014 and address the consequences raised by shoreline residents, property owners, municipalities, and businesses. Absent this leadership, the continued implementation of Plan 2014 only puts our community at an even greater risk.”
Congressman Katko represents the 24th Congressional District of New York, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and the western portion of Oswego County. For more information visit https://katko.house.gov or www.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko.
