Watershed group asks Seneca Falls to hold stormwater planning grant and backs phased dues increase

A representative who identified themself as chair of the Cuba Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization told the Seneca Falls Town Board on Nov. 6 that the organization wants the town to hold a stormwater planning grant on its behalf while the group pursues implementation funds.

"We are uniquely positioned to work on a watershed level," the speaker said, explaining that watershed boundaries often cross municipal lines and that the organization already has relationships with county agencies and state funders. The representative said Isaac Walker, the watershed manager, was unable to speak and that they were filling in for him.

The presenter described several projects the group has supported, including a culvert and ditch survey tied to a planning grant, invasive-species treatments and demonstration projects in state parks, and efforts to prioritize the Seneca Cube Canal for watershed planning. The speaker said the organization must raise its manager compensation; they outlined a phased increase in the organization's staff budget and corresponding member dues over three years and asked Seneca Falls to appoint a representative and to allow the town to hold the group's stormwater planning grant paperwork if an award is made.

The board did not take immediate formal action on the request during the Nov. 6 meeting; the speaker said the organization would do the reporting if a grant is awarded and encouraged members of the board to contact the organization with questions.