Chautauqua County approves $87,000 ARPA, occupancy-tax request to clear waterway hazards

Chautauqua County’s Audit Control Committee on April 17 approved a budget amendment to fund removal of fallen trees and other hazards from county waterways, using $87,000 of American Rescue Plan Act interest earnings and an additional amount from the county’s 3% occupancy tax reserve.

The amendment, presented by county staff, covers targeted clearing on about 53 miles of creek — 28.2 miles on Cassadaga Creek and 25.1 miles on Conewango Creek — where debris and overgrowth have made navigation difficult for recreational users. Director Tim Carter of Public Facilities described increased public use of waterways since the COVID-19 pandemic and said advertising earlier removed from the budget had helped raise awareness of county transit and attractions.

Committee members pressed county staff on long-term maintenance. Legislator comments and staff responses emphasized that the initial clearing will be intensive and costly, and that a plan for regular maintenance is necessary to avoid repeating major cleanups in a few years. County staff and committee members discussed adding recurring maintenance to future budgets, equipment costs, and the danger and difficulty of the removal work (chainsaws and in‑water operations).

The committee voted to approve the amendment. No exact dollar amount from the occupancy tax reserve was specified in the committee discussion; committee materials indicated $87,000 from ARPA and an unspecified portion from the occupancy tax reserve.

Committee members said they expect maintenance needs to be phased into future budgets and noted that weather events and natural debris will continue to require periodic major work despite routine upkeep.

Ayes were recorded verbally at the meeting and the chair declared the motion carried.