Each Thursday, we put one of our local newsmakers On The Spot.

This week: State Senator Mike Nozzolio.

In the past year, there have been a number of substantial actions taken to protect the water quality of Owasco Lake. The establishment of a steward for Owasco Lake will be a significant contribution to our on-going aggressive efforts to protect and preserve the lake.

Over the years, I have become increasingly concerned with the water quality of Owasco Lake.

Last summer, I conducted a series of community meetings in Auburn to discuss what could be done to protect the lake from future contaminants as well as to begin immediate remedial action to clean up the lake.

As a result of those meetings with the highest level representatives of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we were successful in executing a voluntary consent order with the Village of Groton that mandated that they reduce the level of phosphorous discharge into Owasco Lake. Also, I was able to secure more than $425,000 in state funding that was used to purchase a weed harvester and conveyor for the Cayuga County Water and Soil Department to combat weed growth and initiate programs through The Finger Lakes Institute.

To help provide further protections for Owasco Lake, I have provided a $60,000 state grant to Cayuga County to enable them to hire a full-time lake steward. The responsibilities of the steward will include patrolling the lake for trouble spots as well as helping to coordinate critical information and data on the Owasco Lake watershed.

This state budget includes a $500,000 grant for the Finger Lakes Institute to continue their efforts to protect the water quality of the Finger Lakes.

Last month, representatives of Cayuga County, the city of Auburn and the Town of Owasco announced their agreement to continue to fund the Owasco Lake steward position after the initial grant has been used. The announcement followed months of discussions and meetings. The Auburn Focus Group and the Owasco Watershed Lake Association should also be recognized for their commitment to establishing the lake steward position.

The lake steward position is critical to the success of our efforts to clean up Owasco Lake. This individual will examine important issues affecting the watershed and compile data that will provide local officials, scientists and local leaders with the information they need to improve our drinking water.

It is my strong belief that through our efforts, our diligence and our commitment, we can restore Owasco Lake to its rightful spot as a place of pride within our community.