Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) announced final legislative approval of a bill he prime sponsored establishing the Oswego River Basin Water Level Management Commission to help stabilize the water levels and prevent flooding – which has had a severe economic impact within the region (A.6905-A).

“Flooding has plagued the Oswego River Basin – causing tremendous destruction along waterways in a 12-county region. There has been too much damage to property and a severe economic impact on Central New York, especially areas of my district in Baldwinsville. Much of the devastation is due to poor coordination and management within the basin,” Magnarelli said.

The Oswego River Basin includes a number of major bodies of water, including the Seneca River, Oneida River, Oswego River and the Finger Lakes. Every year, business owners in the area lose hundreds of thousands of dollars to property damage from flooding. These lakes and rivers are natural resources that also promote tourism and economic development for our communities.

Magnarelli said the bill helps remedy the current system of water level management, which has been insufficient in preventing these overwhelming floods and has allowed destruction along the system of waterways for too long. The bill will also ensure input by a newly created Oswego river basin citizens' advisory board, which will include representation by property owners, recreational users, commercial users and environmentalists who maintain a residence within the Oswego river basin.

This legislation has been supported by many organizations, including the Central New York Waterways Association, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Empire State Marine Trades Association, and many local governments within the basin.

“This bill establishes an improved system that would benefit all of the people living within the Oswego River Basin and would protect these waterways for future generations,” Magnarelli said. “I look forward to the governor signing this important legislation into law.”