News Release

SIX LEWISBORO LAKES GAIN SPECIAL STATUS UNDER STATE LEGISLATION

State Assemblyman David Buchwald announced that the State Assembly and Senate have voted to pass legislation to make a group of lakes in Lewisboro eligible for more state funding.

All six lakes would be designated as official “inland waterways.” Each lake features lakefront communities, are located in the New York City watershed, and each faces challenges at a time when waterfronts are being recognized as catalysts to bring new energy to their communities.

The legislation (A.10443-A/S.8252-A) includes these waterways: in the northern part of the Town of Lewisboro, Lakes Waccabuc, Oscaleta, and Rippowam, also known as the tri-lakes, Lake Kitchawan and Lake Truesdale in South Salem, and Lake Katonah in Golden’s Bridge.

“By adding these lakes to New York State’s list of inland waterways, municipalities can develop a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to pursue the goals of improved water quality, preservation of open space and wildlife habitat and promotion of tourism and economic development,” said Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Mount Kisco). “This designation makes these communities eligible to pursue public and private funding for needed waterfront revitalization projects.”

“The Town of Lewisboro is very lucky in its lakes and the quality of the water in those lakes,” said Lewisboro Town Supervisor Peter Parsons. “We are grateful that inland waterways designations for six of our lakes have won legislative approval, placing us on a path to obtaining additional funding for needed improvements.”

Joe Niola, President of the Lake Kitchawan Association said, “On behalf of the 400-plus residents of Lewisboro’s Lake Kitchawan Association, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our legislators in Albany–New York State Assemblyman David Buchwald and Senator Terrence Murphy–for their swift and successful efforts to push through legislation that will enable our community to obtain the funding necessary to significantly enhance Lake Kitchawan’s environment and revitalize our waterfront for generations to come.”

“I am pleased that six Lewisboro lakes have been added to the list of designated inland waterways,” said Three Lakes Council President, Janet Andersen. “This listing makes our town eligible to apply for new state funds to maintain and improve the water quality and environmental status of Lakes Oscaleta, Rippowam and Waccabuc.”

The bill to name the six lakes inland waterways was sponsored by Assemblyman Buchwald in the State Assembly and Senator Terrence Murphy (R-Yorktown) in the State Senate.

Contact: David Buchwald, Kerry Donovan (Communications Director) 914 468 4428

Link to pdf of press release: Six_Lewisboro_Lakes_Gain_Special_Status