By RITA FERRANDINO
Staff Writer

RICHFIELD SPRINGS-Flooding and erosion at Canadarago Lake may not be an issue for much longer after an announcement that the state would provide a funding package in the amount of $181,300, of which $40,000 is new money, to aid the perennial problem.

"I'd like to thank the town of Richfield for letting us into Baker's Beach for free today," State Senator James Seward joked when he took the podium in front of a packed pavilion. He was on hand to announce the re-affirmation of two state grants, and a new, third source of funding.

"This package includes bond act funding, Senate program money, and a legislative initiative that will, once and for all, solve the high water and erosion problems at Canadarago Lake," Seward said. "I have heard from area residents, officials and property owners for a long time and it's apparent local resources alone won't do the job. It's time to get the job done, and the money will help reduce pressure on local budgets."

Nick Palevsky, town of Richfield supervisor, and supervisors Jim Truax, of Exeter, and Bill Gates, of Otsego, were on hand to hear about the package, which includes three elements. First is a $78,000 state grant for culvert installation, based on the first three town joint bond act application submitted on August 18, 1999. Funds for this grant will be from the Environmental Protection Fund, according to a press release from Seward's office.

At a public hearing on May 21, Gary Teachout, former president of the Canadarago Lake Association said, "The dam is toast. There's a twelve foot wide crack in it."

After the press conference, Palevksy said that the dam is still being examined by engineer John Mulligan of Malcolm Pirnie to determine whether the crack is irreparable.

"At this time, after several people have looked at the dam and said that it doesn't look like a huge problem as far as the crack goes. I don't anticipate having to replace it," said Palevsky.

The second part of the package is a $63,000 grant from the Senate priority program for flood control and dam safety for dredging and silt control, according to a press release issued by Seward's office. This application was submitted jointly by the three towns, Richfield, Exeter and Otsego on October 30, 2000. Like the first grant, this one will require local participation, said Seward.

Gates said at the public hearing that the town of Otsego can commit to in-kind labor to provide part of the match required by the grant. Palevsky said that matches can be comprised of cash or in-kind labor.

The final announcement was a $40,000 State legislative initiative sponsored by Seward, as part of the 2001-2002 budget, to be used where needed most in the project. According to Seward, no local match is required.

"I now look for the three towns to get up a working group to determine how to maximize the state aid, to establish a timetable, to identify their contributions, and to get the project underway so that we can solve the problem once and for all," Seward said.

Sally Zahniser, president of the Canadarago Lake Association and town board member, presented Seward with a plaque and said, "This is the best day for all the people in this community. We gratefully accept the fulfillment of your promise to us."

Palevsky said that he's extremely grateful for the "huge catalyst."

Gates said that the gesture is an excellent example of how a legislative initiative can "get something moving. Money is a problem but you've taken care of that. This project is going to get done."

Palevsky said that there's another $29,400 set aside by the town of Richfield for the project and that between the three grants and the matches on two of them, there should be enough money to complete the project.

"I am hopeful when the three towns meet again, which we're hoping to do before the June 18 Richfield town board meeting, that we arrive at some kind of game plan," said Palevsky.