Following Jacobs' advocacy, IJC implements plan to increase outflows for 2021

Congressman Chris Jacobs, R-NY-27, is releasing the following statement after it was reported the International Joint Commission (IJC) decided to extend the period for increased outflows from Lake Ontario after he lead and joined bipartisan efforts to advocate for lakeshore communities.

“Severe flooding has been devastating to our communities along Lake Ontario. Small businesses and homeowners have suffered major damage to property, structures and facilities for several years – ensuring we are doing everything possible to mitigate the threat of flooding is critical,” Jacobs said. “I am proud to have successfully advocated for increased outflows to better protect our lakeshore communities, and I will continue my tireless effort to support their well-being and prosperity.”

In December, Jacobs sent a letter to the IJC’s International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board, asking it to implement the winter 2020 deviation rules to allow for increased outflows for winter and spring of 2021. On Sunday, it was reported the IJC is allowing a deviation from Plan 2014 and allowing the ability to increase outflows past the Feb. 28 deadline initially set.