LAKE ONTARIO, N.Y. (NCC News) – New York State is providing $49 million to Lake Ontario communities as part of the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) The REDI program will be enhancing economic development, protecting infrastructure and rebuilding communities along Lake Ontario, according to the governor.
“The recent challenge of historic high water levels along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shorelines calls for a swift and innovative response,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “[These] projects in Niagara and Orleans counties will create long-term sustainability for communities and businesses.”
The money will be used to fund 20 different projects, Cuomo said.
The counties included in these projects are Cayuga, Oswego, Monroe, Wayne, Niagara and Orleans, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence.
The state has sued the International Joint Commission, saying it ignored Lake Ontario’s rising water levels. Cuomo said he is putting $15 million toward a regional dredging effort to maintain navigation channels to harbors and bays along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
“Communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River have faced tremendous challenges in recent years,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “That’s why we have taken aggressive action to help local governments, businesses, and homeowners with state support to improve resiliency and address the impact of flooding.”
The REDI program has already provided $300 million to Lake Ontario communities, including $15 million for regional dredging, $30 million for private businesses, and $20 million in homeowner assistance.
