As the waters of Lake Ontario continue to rise, the south shore and its residents face the consequences of Mother Nature. It is paramount that our state government does everything within its power to assist the residents of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River Region in protecting and rebuilding the property in harm’s way.

I am calling on my colleagues in the Assembly to join the Senate and pass legislation that will establish a recovery program for the areas affected. This week the Senate passed legislation to make $55 million available to residents of the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence and Lake Champlain regions for recovery from the record floods.

This $55 million will be designated for property owners, businesses, farms, not-for-profits, municipalities and counties that have suffered damages due to the high water levels of Lake Ontario. Earlier this week, the governor allocated $15 million in relief money, and while that is a critical first step, it is nowhere near enough to mitigate the enormous problem. The specifics of the Senate legislation can be found here.

While the issue at hand is well known and for all intents and purposes has been recognized by our state government, the lack of action by the Assembly Majority is troublesome. It is of the utmost importance that legislation addressing this issue be brought to the floor so it may be passed and sent to the governor for his signature. People’s properties and livelihoods are at risk, and making support funds available to them is not a partisan issue.

I call upon my colleagues from downstate to look beyond the Tappan Zee Bridge and realize the suffering and devastation that is occurring in the most northern part of our state. I hope they will join us in supporting the residents and municipalities that are in dire need of a helping hand.

Time is of the essence, and I will continue to be an ally for any resident in need of assistance with this or any other matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909.