ALBANY — Following the International Joint Commission’s (IJC) recent decision to follow through on Plan 2014, which makes dangerous changes to the water levels of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, is condemning the decision and has pledged to work with local leaders and the incoming Trump Administration to stop its completion.
“This is a misguided and dangerous decision by the IJC and Obama Administration that will have a devastating impact on our community if completed,” Hawley said. “I’ve been fighting this poorly-devised and myopic plan since its inception, and it has become abundantly clear that the risks far outweigh any potential benefits for altering the water levels of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. How dare President Obama make such a disastrous and cowardly decision with mere weeks left in office and leave our community to deal with the consequences.”
Hawley has written to Gov. Cuomo and the IJC and voiced his concerns on the matter. The Lake Ontario shoreline, part of which Hawley represents, could face near disaster if water levels are raised, and an increase could result in the loss of beaches, rental properties, world-famous fishing spots, homes and businesses. He has pledged to work closely with U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, who is also spearheading an effort against Plan 2014.
“As I’ve said before, by raising the water levels of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, we are placing waterfront homes, businesses, rental properties, infrastructure and wildlife in harm’s way,” Hawley said. “A winter with heavy snow would only exacerbate these concerns, not to mention the exorbitant flood insurance costs that residents would have to pay. I will be working with Congressman Collins and other local leaders to shut this plan down immediately and protect our waterfront.”
