April 26, 2017

Governor Andrew Cuomo

Executive Chamber
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo:

As the New York State Assembly delegation representing the numerous

communities and counties that border Lake Ontario, we are writing collectively to ask
you for your assistance with responding to the high water conditions that currently exist
on Lake Ontario. As of today, the lake level stands at 247.4 feet, which is 20.5 inches
above average at this time of year. It is estimated that the water may increase nearly a
foot more by May and June, rivaling the 248.4 feet level during the aftermath of
Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and the early spring flooding in 1993, when Lake Ontario
reached 248.0.

Many of our communities are preparing with sandbagging and other

precautionary measures. Several of our counties have declared a state of
emergency. We appreciate the support provided by the state, to date, but with Plan
2014 now in place we do not believe there is any corrective action being taken or
planned to bring relief to these communities and property owners from the impending
flooding and property damage.

As you know, Plan 2014, was agreed to by the Obama administration in

December of 2016. It is our understanding that the International Joint Commission,
through Plan 2014, finds the current level not only acceptable, but preferred. Plan
2014s critical levels, which would trigger possible action to release water at the
Moses-Saunders Dam, do not kick in for another half foot in April and not until even
higher levels in May and June.

The probability of extensive regional shoreline flooding and catastrophic loss of

property rises with each day of sustained high water. It feels like we are sitting in the
eye of a hurricane, helplessly waiting for the coming storm, ready to brace as we await
its fury.
 Governor, we opposed Plan 2014 because we knew allowing Lake Ontario
water levels to have greater variability would bring about substantial economic loss. In
years like this, higher water would bring about extensive erosion and create flooding
conditions that ruin homes and businesses. In some other years, we will face very low
water that will make boating, fishing and other recreational pursuits extremely difficult or
impossible.

We continue to oppose Plan 2014 and ask that you:

1) Continue to help our communities respond to any emergencies that threaten lives
and properties along Lake Ontario and its bays and connected waterways.
2) Advocate for federal funding and provide state funding to repair or replace
damaged property
3) Advocate for federal funding and provide state funding for mitigation measures to
protect property
4) Expedite the permitting process through DEC and other oversight agencies for
such mitigation measures.
5) Advocate, with us, to ask the United States government to reject Plan 2014

We are appreciative of your attention and timely response to this critically

important issue.
Sincerely,

Assemblyman Bob Oaks Assemblyman Michael Norris

130th Assembly District 144th Assembly District

Assemblyman Peter Lawrence Assemblyman Will Barclay

134th Assembly District 120th Assembly District
Assemblyman Steve Hawley
139th Assembly District

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello

145th Assembly District

Assemblyman Mark Johns

135th Assembly District