The Chatauqua County Legislature has given its approval to the creation of the Chautauqua County Water Agency by a vote of 17 to 4.
According to the Jamestown Post-Journal, the vote for approval took place last night during the legislature’s monthly voting session, despite a request from Village of Fredonia Mayor Stephen Keefe to table the measure. Keefes concern was that the new water agency, which will oversea the creation and management of a new north county water district, would institute rates that are much higher than those currently being charged by the city of Dunkirk or the Village of Fredonia. The plan would force Fredonia’s water plant to close, even though Keefe and others from Fredonia believe it is in the village’s best interest to keep it open.
However, a majority of the county lawmakers felt that the new water district would miss out on much needed federal and state funding if they held off any longer on creating the water agency.
The Chautauqua County Water Agency will consist of three county legislators and nine elected officials representing municipalities to be included in Phase 1 of the proposed water supply program.
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