Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that a bill he authored to help stop the spread of invasive aquatic species in the Adirondacks has passed the Assembly (A.7735-A). Earlier this week the measure also passed the New York State Senate, which was authored and sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach).

 “Invasive aquatic species present a serious threat to both our environment and our economy,” Assemblyman Jones said. “These pests carry harmful diseases which can infect native plants and animals and damage local ecosystems. Once these species spread, attempting to contain them can be extremely expensive and time-consuming. This bill will focus on preventing the spread before it starts by instituting regular inspections and by educating boaters, which will not only save time and money, but also better safeguard our environment as well.”

 The measure extends the 2014 aquatic invasive species measures that recently expired and builds upon the law which will authorize the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to establish several inspection stations across the Adirondack Park as a precautionary measure against the propagation of invasive species. The stations authorized by the bill can be set up at any location in the Adirondack Park and within a ten-mile radius of its border, and would provide certifications for inspection and decontamination in addition to providing direct education and outreach to boaters, which will help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.