Collins says appropriations bill demands report on shoreline damages
Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) applauded the release of the FY18 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill that includes language requiring the Secretary of State to issue a report on damages to the shoreline of Lake Ontario.
The report would also require an assessment of damages attributable to the implementation of Plan 2014 by the International Joint Commission (IJC). Finally, the report will include options for providing compensation to shoreline property owners adversely affected by the flooding.
“This is welcome news for Western New York and those impacted by the horrific flooding along the Lake Ontario shoreline,” said Collins. “This report will be a productive first step in determining the extent of the damage caused by Plan 2014 and will provide answers to our questions about what compensation is available. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues from New York to replace the disastrous Plan 2014.”
Two other southshore Congressional representatives praised Collins for working to include the shoreline report in the bill.
“Plan 2014 has created considerable uncertainty for home owners and municipalities and has no doubt contributed to damage along the Lake Ontario shoreline, just as the International Joint Commission said it would,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “I applaud Congressman Collins for his work in including this important language in the FY18 State and Foreign Operations. This report will be vitally important in working to find the cause of the flooding and the impact of Plan 2014. This will ensure that we can work to mitigate future disasters, while giving us better information to better protect shoreline property owners from the expected impact.”
“Plan 2014 has resulted in magnified, drastic changes in water levels and property owners in shoreline communities across Wayne, Cayuga, and Oswego Counties are facing significant property damage and shoreline erosion,” said Congressman John Katko. “I am pleased to see the advancement of this amendment which will take the first steps towards getting these property owners the relief and support they deserve.”
For text of the bill, click here.
