Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) announced today that legislation to add Lake Neatahwanta to the state’s list of inland waterways passed the Assembly. The legislation also adds the Oswego River to the list of inland waterways.

Barclay said this legislation will allow the City of Fulton to take advantage of more grant opportunities to preserve and revitalize the lake and the Oswego River as part of the city’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP). The State Barge Canal System, which runs through Fulton, Phoenix, Minetto, and Volney along the Oswego River, is already a designated inland waterway which enables the city to create a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan.

“Adding Lake Neatahwanta and the Oswego River will help protect these valuable waterways while at the same time, help boost local economic, recreational, and conservation efforts,” said Barclay. “I am happy that the City of Fulton is planning for its future and, if signed by the Governor, the city will be able to use this designation to help secure more state and federal dollars.”

There are currently more than 120 waterways listed on the state’s Department of State Designated Inland Waterways. The program was developed to ensure the protection and best uses of the state's inland water resources and to promote the revitalization of waterfront communities.

Mayor Ron Woodward said he was grateful for Assemblyman Barclay's and Senator Ritchie's advocacy for the City of Fulton. He is hopeful the designation will help fund future lake cleanup efforts.

"I am thankful to both the Assemblyman and the Senator for their hard work in getting this legislation passed. Fulton is fortunate to have both a lake and a river in its boundaries. This legislation will help us to clean up the lake, restore the water quality, and offer more recreation by opening up more funding opportunities," said Woodward. "I am hopeful the Governor will sign this legislation quickly."