REP. KATKO HIGHLIGHTS ALGAL BLOOM PROBLEM TO TRUMP TRANSITION TEAM, PUSHES FOR FUNDING TO ADDRESS TOXINS AFFECTING OWASCO LAKE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a bipartisan letter sent this week, U.S. Rep. John Katko called on President-elect Donald Trump to address the significant need for funding to combat the harmful algal bloom (HAB) problem affecting Owasco Lake and communities across the country.

Specifically, Rep. Katko’s letter requests funding for programs to address the severe threat of harmful algal blooms nationwide.  Rep Katko and his colleagues expressed strong support for increased research into the environmental and health concerns associated with algal blooms.

“Together with our state and local partners, I’ve worked to ensure we have a coordinated plan locally to maintain safe drinking water in Owasco Lake and to protect the watershed,” said U.S. Rep. John Katko. “But it is critical that we act to protect water infrastructure around the country for generations to come.  Part of doing so means conducting further research so that we can fully understand the threats posed by the harmful algal blooms that have affected Cayuga County.  I urge the President-elect to prioritize this issue and allocate the necessary funding to help maintain safe drinking water across the nation.”

Since being elected to represent the 24th Congressional District, Rep. Katko has continuously engaged on this issue with state and local officials and community groups committed to monitoring and combating the harmful algal blooms affecting Owasco Lake.  Earlier this week, Rep. Katko applauded the announcement that state funding will be allocated to deal with algal toxicity in Owasco Lake.

Congressman John Katko represents the 24th Congressional District of New York, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and a portion of Oswego County.  For more information, please visit https://katko.house.gov or www.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko.