Federal push to protect Chautauqua Lake

As Chautauqua Lake suffers from harmful algal blooms, there is a federal push to protect the lake's water quality.

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced Wednesday a provision in the America's Water Infrastructure Act that authorizes a feasibility study. 

The study would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate the excessive phosphorous runoff that causes the algal blooms. Flood risk management measures and accelerated erosion would also be studied.

"This critical provision will help us combat the harmful algal blooms in Chautauqua Lake that have negatively impacted water quality and hurt the regional economy," said Senator Schumer. 

Senator Gillibrand also weighed in, saying "With this provision, we are one step closer to stopping the algal blooms that have been plaguing Chautauqua Lake's water quality and harming the economy of the surrounding communities." 

Chautauqua Lake is about 13,000 acres in size and is an important recreation and tourism destination.

The provision to protect the lake's water quality has passed the Environment and Public Works Committee. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.