Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R,C,Ref-Mahopac) is pleased to announce that as of December 6, 2019, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation (A.3098B/S.03444A), introduced by Byrne and Sen. Peter Harckmham, to designate Junior Lake and Sparkle Lake as inland waterways.
“This is a win for our community, as both of these lakes are an important part of our district’s environment,” said Byrne. “With this passage comes the ability for local government and organizations along the banks of Junior Lake and Sparkle Lake to apply for waterfront revitalization grants through the New York State Department of State and Environmental Protection Fund. I am anxious for this to take effect and to see what we can do to further preserve our waterways.”
“The designation of Yorktown’s Sparkle Lake and Junior Lake as inland waterways, now passed into law, will ensure that local authorities and community members can qualify to receive grant funding to protect and remediate these two natural resources,” said Sen. Harckham, the sponsor of the Senate’s version of the legislation. “Residents have long valued these two lakes for their recreational and scenic attributes, and now there will be more safeguards available for their protection and preservation.”
“Junior and Sparkle Lakes are vital pieces of our community,” said Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater. “Thanks to Assemblyman Byrne and Sen. Harckham, Yorktown will have additional tools at our disposal to improve our local lakes as part of our holistic approach to enhancing our environment and combatting climate change.”