County Executive Ryan McMahon Announces over $100,000 for Skaneateles Lake Monitoring
Funds approved by OCDC at May 28th meeting
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II announced $106,400 for the “Watershed Nine Element Plan” for Skaneateles Lake. The funds will be used by the Town of Skaneateles in cooperation with the Skaneateles Lake Association to monitor and maintain the water quality of Skaneateles Lake.
County Executive McMahon said, “Skaneateles Lake is an invaluable resource to our community. In addition to providing drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people, it is an important economic engine.” McMahon continued, “Our team has committed to making smart, strategic investments in our infrastructure and economic development. Providing these funds as quickly as possible to ensure Skaneateles Lake remains the gem it is was simply the right thing to do. Thank you to the OCDC Board for your votes to secure this important funding.”
The funds were originally scheduled to be provided by New York State later this year. However, due to the timing of the recent harmful algal blooms on Skaneateles Lake, County Executive McMahon requested that OCDC provide the funds earlier so monitoring of the lake water can begin as quickly as possible. These funds will also free up capital from the Skaneateles Lake Association to do additional remediation projects along the watershed. It is anticipated that NYS will still provide funding later this year. At that time, either the OCDC can be repaid or further conversations can be had on what can be done to preserve and protect Skaneateles Lake.
Legislator Abbott-Kenan said, “This work is vital. The sooner we know where and what is contributing to HAB’s around the watershed, the sooner we can develop a comprehensive action plan. We need this data now and County Executive McMahon realizes that. We are utterly committed to preserving this drinking water source and fantastic gem of our region.” Abbot-Kenan continued, “It is honestly inspiriting to see so many people who care enough to roll up their sleeves and work toward a common goal. It is exactly how our government should work with imperative community partners like SLA.”