Lake Ontario water levels could cause problems for Oswego
OSWEGO, N.Y.– As rain continues to fall and water levels in Lake Ontario continue rise, the city of Oswego could be at risk for significant flooding and damage.
“I’ve received reports that we are going to experience the water levels rise about a foot over the next two weeks,” said Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow. “As far as the first of May, we were already at that foot mark, and we expect it to go higher than that.”
Mayor Barlow says some parts of the city have already been affected, including $7 million dollars worth of city-owned property damage.
“It’s hindering our ability to run our city-owned and operated Marina,” said Barlow. “It’s also doing damage to our shoreline, our riverwalk and some of our residential areas on Shore Road.”
The city has already blocked off areas expected to be most affected by the flooding.
“I’ve lived here my whole life,” said Oswego Resident Gary Busky. “The city is really trying to do a lot. Once you fix it, you got to maintain it.”
“Unfortunately, it’s a problem at the state and federal level with the IJC [International Joint Commision],” Barlow said. “All we can do is make the best of bad situation.”
Barlow says the city has reached out to shoreline residents who could be at risk.