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Watershed council urges local coordination on algal blooms, offers grant help
Summary
Kevin Olvany of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council briefed the Italy Town Board on efforts to limit harmful algal blooms, described grant and permitting assistance available to municipalities, and noted two bills before the state legislature and a nascent 'Friends of Canandaigua Lake' funding effort by local donors.
Kevin Olvany of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council told the board the council is a coalition of municipalities working to reduce damage from harmful algal blooms in Canandaigua Lake and to help towns secure state and federal funding for local projects. He said the council provides grant‑writing assistance, help with permit applications, and educational workshops for school districts.
Olvany noted two bills before the New York State Legislature related to studying algal blooms; he said local municipalities favor home‑rule approaches and suggested discussions with state legislators (Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano) to clarify the bills' local impact. He also reported that Danny Wegman and Richard Sands are organizing a 'Friends of Canandaigua Lake' funding vehicle to provide more immediate local funds for lake projects; the council continues a slow update to the Docks and Moorings Law.
