Governor Kathy Hochul announced a significant financial boost for water quality and conservation efforts in New York State, with over $1 million allocated to the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) to aid in the protection of Owasco Lake. This funding is part of a broader initiative that disburses more than $166 million across 187 projects statewide, aimed at enhancing water quality, aquatic habitat, and flood resilience.
The FLLT, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Finger Lakes region, was awarded $1,240,000 through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program. This program, managed by the State Department of Environmental Conservation, focuses on projects that directly bolster water quality, reduce flood risks, and safeguard drinking water sources.
This substantial grant will enable the FLLT to acquire around 500 acres of land crucial for the conservation of Owasco Lake, ensuring the protection of vital habitats and maintaining the lake as a pristine source of drinking water. The funding will also support the establishment of perpetual conservation easements, agreements that commit landowners to preserve their land from development, furthering the FLLT’s mission to conserve lands essential for water quality and agriculture in the Finger Lakes area.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].
Read the full article here
