Algae bloom on Chautauqua Lake, captured in this aerial photo by John McCredie.
ALBANY – Chautauqua Lake was named one of 12 lakes in the state to receive a portion of $65 million to combat harmful algal blooms (Or HABs) that “threaten recreational use of lakes as well as drinking water.”
As part of his soon-to-be unveiled 2018 State of the State address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo discussed a four-point initiative regarding the conditions of priority lakes. Cuomo said 12 priority lakes — including Chautauqua Lake — are vulnerable to HABs and are critical sources of drinking water and vital tourism drivers.
As part of the proposal, the state will provide $500,000 per lake to develop immediate action plans to reduce sources of pollution that spark algal blooms.
The funding will have to be approved by the state legislature in the 2018-19 fiscal budget, which is due by April 1, 2018.
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