The Finger Lakes Institute will continue to monitor Owasco Lake.
Following a presentation by the institute’s director, Doctor Lisa Cleckner, the Cayuga County Legislature voted Wednesday to allow Legislature Chair Aileen McNabb-Coleman to enter into an agreement with the Finger Lakes Institute, part of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, through the 2024 season.
Through the program, a buoy collects data on the lake, including information related to harmful algal blooms, sending that data to the institute.
Unlike last year, there was no opposition to the agreement.
Last March, the legislature voted against renewing the agreement with the institute. This decision was met with concern by Auburn City Council which uses the lake to provide drinking water for the city and surrounding communities. The city would send a letter to the county, urging it to reconsider its decision.
Also in April, Cayuga County sent request for fee quotes to three organizations to continue the program – Upstate Freshwater Institute in Syracuse, Citizen’s Science Institute in Ithaca, and the Finger Lakes Institute – with only the institute being found able to do the work.
Ultimately, the legislature would vote in May to have the institute monitor the late for 2023.
