Chautauqua Lake Feasibility Study Approved In Water Resource Development Act

WASHINGTON – A feasibility study for Chautauqua Lake, pushed by Sen. Charles Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, is part of an act expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Schumer and Gillibrand announced Tuesday morning that the study is included in the 2018 Water Resource Development Act.
“Chautauqua Lake currently suffers from continued environmental and economic damage caused by repeated algal blooms, and this study authorization would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to evaluate the excessive phosphorous runoff that causes these algal blooms,” Schumer said. “Additionally, the USACE would be able to study flood risk management measures, assess ecosystem restoration efforts, and address the accelerated erosion along the lake’s tributary stream banks. Erosion along Chautauqua Lake’s tributary stream banks has resulted in excessive sediment deposition, which also impairs the lake’s water quality.”

Sen. Charles Schumer

Schumer went on to say, “Chautauqua Lake is a jewel of Western New York and a vital source of recreation and economic activity for both residents and countless visitors alike, but it is threatened by algal blooms that we must do more to reverse and prevent.. This is why I am so proud we secured the Chautauqua Lake Feasibility Study in the bipartisan WRDA bill to allow Army Corps of Engineers to carefully examine the destructive, repeated algal blooms in Chautauqua Lake that have diminished water quality. This is a crucial and necessary step in the right direction and I promise to fight tooth and nail to ensure that this study is fully funded by the Army Corps of Engineers.”
Gillibrand said she is glad to see the study included in the act and said it is an effort to continue to keep New York’s waterways clean and safe.
“I am very pleased that this vitally important legislation to help protect Chautauqua Lake has now passed the Congress and will soon be signed into law,” Gillibrand said. “Chautauqua Lake is one of our state’s great natural treasures, and Congress has a responsibility to help stop the algal blooms that have been plaguing the lake’s water quality and harming our local economy. I was proud to fight to include this Feasibility Study in this bill, and I will continue doing everything I can to help make sure New York’s waterways are safe and clean.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

The Chautauqua Lake Feasibility Study would enable local communities to better understand changing flood risks and provide tools to help guard against future environmental degradation and property damage.
The study would inform best practices concerning excessive weed and algae growth, as well as mitigation for sediments deposited at the mouths of the tributaries, to further minimize flood risks harming the environmental health and economic viability of Chautauqua Lake.