N.Y. Senate approves aquatic invasive legislation

ALBANY | With unanimous support, the New York State Senate has approved new legislation aimed at strengthening and making permanent the ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Adirondack waterways. Sen. Dan Stec, who co-sponsored and helped lead the Senate legislation, applauded the June 8 approval, which replaces a law that expired at the end of May. Companion legislation authored and sponsored by Assemblyman Billy Jones passed in the Assembly the following day. Following the vote, Stec said he was optimistic both houses could work together to make the law permanent and applauded the introductory efforts of Sen. Todd Kaminsky. "Though it took a little longer than expected, legislative approval this week is great news for our waterways," Stec said in announcing the senate's approval. The legislation builds on the "clean, drain and dry" law adopted in 2014 that requires boats be inspected for aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil, before being launched into waterways. It authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation to set up boat inspection stations throughout the Adirondack Park and within a ten-mile radius of the park's borders. Once inspected, DEC officials issue tamperproof tagged certificates for boat operators and the law requires DEC to maintain updated online lists of all boat washing inspection stations and operating hours. Boaters can also self-certify following the DEC-approved process to clean, drain and dry their boats and watercraft. Funding for the program is provided through the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The legislation will take effect immediately if signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "The Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) has been at the forefront on this issue," Stec said. "I appreciate their tremendous research and guidance and the support of many others, including numerous environmental groups. There's no question that prevention is the most cost-effective means of protecting our water bodies. The better we do, the better the health of our waterways and that's great for tourism, boating and fishing and the health of our waterways."

Signup for our newsletter

N.Y. Senate approves aquatic invasive legislation

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS