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Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged to address water quality in her State of the State address. The state is following through on that commitment with a $42 million investment in the eastern Finger Lakes. 

The funding, which is provided through the state's environmental bond act and other sources, will support projects that address nutrient runoff — a known cause of harmful algal blooms — and improve water quality. 

According to Hochul's office, the state-backed projects are part of clean water and pollution prevention plans, as well as strategic plans developed by local soil and water conservation districts. 

With the state's support, the funding will allow for the expansion of the Agricultural Environmental Management program, which assists farmers with projects to reduce water pollution, and increase flood resiliency. 

In a statement, Hochul said the state is using "every tool available" to prevent pollution that can lead to harmful algal blooms and boost conservation. 

"Clean water is critical to sustaining the health of our communities, protecting our environment and supporting local economies in the Finger Lakes," Hochul said. 

The eastern Finger Lakes watershed includes seven lakes — Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka, Otisco, Owasco, Seneca and Skaneateles. Harmful algal blooms have been reported in these lakes. The Owasco Lake blooms caused the closure of two bathing beaches in July. 

Doug Kierst, executive director of the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District, said the funding will strengthen the soil and water conservation districts within the eastern Finger Lakes. 

"SWCDs will continue to address local water quality concerns and needs through locally led conservation programs and initiatives, resulting in an increase in the implementation of best management practices that have proven to be effective in nutrient and sediment reduction," he said. 

Hochul's office highlighted the state Department of Environmental Conservation's work in the Finger Lakes to develop clean water plans. The department also held regional summits on harmful algal blooms. 

The funding was announced as the state defends itself against a lawsuit filed by the city of Auburn, town of Owasco and Owasco Watershed Lake Association. The legal challenge accuses the state Department of Health of not following Public Health Law for updating the Owasco Lake watershed rules and regulations. The localities and OWLA also claim the state is violating the constitutional right to clean water that was established in 2021. 

Auburn and Owasco leaders held a press conference in July to slam the state's decision not to update the watershed rules and regulations. Citing the ongoing lawsuit, the state Department of Health declined comment. 

Although the state is facing criticism locally, it has supported the development of harmful algal bloom action plans and provided more than $428 million for projects to address the development of algal blooms. Soil and water conservation districts in the eastern Finger Lakes have received $32 million for various projects since 2014, while the DEC has awarded $55.7 million for 96 projects to improve water quality in the region.