Lake Ontario Preparedness Group to meet again, with focus on tourism

The Town of Porter this week released the agenda for the upcoming Lake Ontario Preparedness Committee. The group, consisting of representatives from the Town and Village of Lewiston, Town of Porter, Village of Youngstown, Village of Barker, Town and Village of Wilson, and Town of Newfane will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at Porter Town Hall.

The group was formed last year following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement of $49 million in state funding to Niagara and Orleans counties under the $300 million Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. It is comprised of government, business, tourism and community leaders, with a purpose to maintain a positive business outlook in the affected lakeshore communities, while facilitating the building of infrastructure resiliency in the shoreline areas.

“With initial projections showing water will be even higher in 2020, intelligence and common sense dictates our elected officials, community leaders and businesses work as one to build; not only to mitigate these challenges, but also create new economic development opportunities,” the committee stated in a release.

Following opening remarks by Town of Porter Supervisor John “Duffy” Johnston, guest speakers Jennifer Pauly of the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce and Paula Gill of the Village of Wilson will present a discussion on the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo, slated for Jan. 17-19 at The Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls. The two are expected to discuss how support from all communities is vital for success.

The program will then move to a presentation by representatives of Destination Niagara, focusing on efforts aimed at promoting the northern Niagara County region communities, and tourism initiatives in the face of challenges from high water levels.

Greg Stevens, executive director of the Niagara River Greenway Commission, will follow with a presentation and discussion from local officials on his group’s latest initiates, including a biking connectivity trail in the northern county area.

Johnston is expected to conclude the session with a discussion on a joint resolution by committee representatives aimed at rescinding Plan 2014 of the International Joint Commission, a controversial water level control measure.

The program is open to the public. For more information, contact Johnston at 716-745-3730.