Bill > A07377

This bill establishes a stakeholder group in the Oswego river basin to improve water release coordination and flood management. Specifically, the New York State Canal Corporation, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Conservation, must form a comprehensive stakeholder group within six months of the bill's effective date. The group will include entities responsible for controlling flood water discharges, community stakeholder groups, environmental conservation officials, and subject matter experts. The stakeholder group will review existing information about flood storage and watershed releases, and within six months of formation, will make recommendations to the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker about creating a regulatory structure for coordinating water releases during high flow events. Their recommendations may include continuing or expanding the stakeholder group, creating a legislative mandate for water release coordination, or establishing an independent water regulating district with authority to direct water releases. This bill aims to improve communication and strategic management of water resources in the Oswego river basin to mitigate potential flooding risks.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7377