Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C-WF, Syracuse) today announced that the New York State Senate passed his bill (S6668A) to help address flooding and manage water levels in the Oswego River Basin. The bill enables the New York State Canal Flood Mitigation Task Force to develop solutions to the serious problem of flooding in the basin and provide valuable recommendations. The same bill passed the New York State Assembly yesterday.

"Many Central New Yorkers who live along the shores of the river basin have expressed concerns about water levels and flooding," said Senator DeFrancisco. "In addition, the basin is connected to several major bodies of water, including the Seneca River, Oneida Lake, the Finger Lakes, and the Oswego River. These lakes and rivers are priceless treasures, and we need to protect them."

"My bill will also establish a citizen advisory board to assist the Task Force," continued Senator DeFrancisco. "Along with the Commission, which will bring local and State officials to the table, I believe that the active participation of those who live in the basin will be crucial in helping us to implement a plan that will effectively address water level issues that directly impact everyone."

"Our waterways are a shared public treasure and we need to ensure that they are maintained for future generations," said Senator DeFrancisco. "My bill will help us to find meaningful solutions to help prevent flooding and preserve our waterways."

"A bill to address the same concerns passed the Senate and the Assembly last year, but was vetoed by Governor Spitzer. Through discussions with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Canal Corporation we have resolved the issues and I am confident that my bill will be signed into law by Governor Paterson this year," concluded Senator DeFrancisco.