Watertown Daily Times - Stefanki Talks Plan 2014 with Save the River in Clayton, Tours Cape Vincent Patrol Boat Manufacturer

News Article

By Brian Molongoski

U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Willsboro, sat down with Save the River in Clayton on Wednesday to discuss Plan 2014 and strategies to get it up and running.

The International Joint Commission, which oversees international waterway regulation, urged Canada and the United States in November to adopt the plan, which would help return the St. Lawrence River to more natural flows.

D. Lee Willbanks, executive director of Save the River, said water flow is artificially constrained by the Moses-Saunders Power Dam, which was constructed between 1954 and 1958. He said the unnatural flow has led to a degradation of the wetlands and wildlife that depend on the river.

The plan itself, Mr. Willbanks said, is essentially a long list of rules and directions for dam operators that will better regulate water flow through the dam as well as outline the certain conditions needed to change water levels healthily.

"Without the addition of any expense, or any equipment or construction, you put in new directions and (operators) follow those directions -- it's that simple," Mr. Willbanks said.

Ms. Stefanik said both countries need to build support. On the U.S. side, she said, pushing the plan forward will mean gathering more support from state and federal lawmakers.

"I want to make sure, at the state and federal levels, I am a leading voice advocating on behalf of Plan 2014," she said. "We are working to build support in the New York congressional delegation and speaking to the Governor's office, our state senators, assemblymen and (assembly)women, so they understand the broader economic importance of continuing to grow tourism in Northern New York."

Ms. Stefanik also said the meeting touched upon invasive species and the impact zebra mussels can have on the area's multi-million dollar fishing industry.

The congresswoman also swung by the MetalCraft Marine in Cape Vincent earlier in the day for a "Coffee with your Congresswoman" event and a tour of the facility, which manufactures high-speed fire, rescue and patrol boats.

MetalCraft Marine General Manager Michael Allen said they are in the process of securing a contract with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

"Hopefully we are successful in winning that," he said. "That would mean a great deal to the shop."

As far as Ms. Stefanik's visit, Mr. Allen said it was a bit of a surprise.

"We were thrilled," he said. "It was a huge morale booster, especially for the (workers)."

Source