Yesterday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Central New York Land Trust, Inc. (CNYLT) announced 144 acres of land near Skaneateles Lake has been acquired to help protect drinking water.
Skaneateles Lake currently serves as the drinking source for over 190,000 Central New Yorkers. Funding for the project was funded by the State’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program. The program allows improvements to water quality or aquatic habitat, promotes flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resilience or protecting drinking water sources.
“By working with partners like Central New York Land Trust, New York State is making long-term investments to ensure access to safe drinking water far into the future,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said.
The 144 acres was acquired for $900,000, using a portion of the $4 million dollar grant awarded. CNYLT says they intend to acquire more land parcels near the lake with the remaining funds by summer of 2024.
