Chautauqua creek fish passage in trouble

[Vince Tobia]

The Chautauqua Creek fish passage project could really use some help right now in the form of a small letter writing campaign. Currently all of the Federal funds that are required to construct the project next summer (2009) are in place, however, a non-Federal cost-share is required. Unfortunately it looks like there is some reluctance on the part of the State to provide the required cost-share, about $150k. According to Mike Greer, (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo) a pot of money already exists within NYSDEC that could be used to fund the project but they are reluctant to spend the money. Perhaps some encouragement from the local community and others can convince the NYSDEC to allocate the funds to the Chautauqua Creek project.
I would recommend that interested parties contact the NYSDEC Commissioner, State Assemblyman, and State Senator and encourage them to support the project based on following merits: the significant efforts that have gone into getting the project ready for construction; it will have a positive economic impact on the community; and it is good for NYS fishing and fishermen. Time is a bit of a concern, so please contact these representatives asap.
Thank you for your help!

Pete Grannis: Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233



Assemblyman William L. Parment: Local Office

Hotel Jamestown Bldg. Room 809 Jamestown, NY 14701

716-664-7773

Albany Office LOB 547 Albany, NY 12248

518-455-4511 [e-mail]



Senator Catharine M. Young

District Office Westgate Plaza 700 W. State Street Olean, New York 14760

[phone]

Albany Office Room 805 Legislative Office Building Albany, New York 12247

[phone]

[kingdady]

I havent heard of this project what exactly is it?

[MikeGreer]

The village has two low head dams on the creek for water supply. One is currently used and one is abandoned. The project will remove part of the abandoned dam and construct a rock ramp at the upper dam for fish passage purposes. This will open up a considerable amount of new water and greatly increase wild reproduction of fish.

[kingdady]

Thanks for letting me know I fish that stream alot.

[MikeGreer]

Here is a quick update on the status of this project. The NYSDEC identified a source for about half of the funds needed. I believe they are from a completed project that had excess funds. The other half of the funds needed to make this project happen need to be in the State's 2009 budget which starts April 1, 2009. Additional letters to the above reminding them of the importance and need for funds might be helpful. Please spread the word if you support this project.

[MikeGreer]

Great news, it looks like this project will be built next summer. The Village of Westfield and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed the construction agreement. They are still waiting for the State to make funds available to the Village tough, hopefully it is only administrative at this point.

Continue to contact your elected officials and the Commissioner if you support this project and others like it. It makes a difference!

This is a big deal for the Village, so go out of your way to support local businesses when fishing there and be respectful of the resource and landowners!

[Daniel Liwicki]

This is great great news!!!