There is a request from the state of New York involving Lake Ontario and protection for shoreline residents and businesses. Karen Johnson explains.
Governor Cuomo is calling on the International Joint Commission to maintain or increase outflows from Lake Ontario to protect shoreline residents and businesses. The letter from the governor comes as the IJC plans to reduce outflows in advance of the lake and St. Lawrence River’s navigation season. Governor Cuomo says New Yorkers are justifiably concerned about renewed flooding this spring in his letter to Lana Pollack, the IJC’s U.S. chairwoman. He adds the problems associated with high water levels should not fall disproportionately on New York’s shorelines. The governor’s letter also says to the state’s knowledge, maintaining current high outflows would not cause flooding downstream of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam. To be clear, New York does not seek to cause flooding in the Montreal region but instead insists that the IJC take all reasonable actions to limit flood risks along Lake Ontario. Feedback from the IJC says the commission is required to look at all concerns on both sides. I’m Karen Johnson.