Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo declared a state of emergency on Thursday in response to Lake Ontario water levels.
- State of emergency declared
- AquaDams installed in Hamlin and Irondequoit
- High-powered pump at the ready
Dinolfo says county officials have repeatedly called on the International Joint Commission to lower lake levels, fearing flooding similar to what devastated homes and businesses in 2017.
"I'm extremely disappointed with the lack of action on behalf of the IJC. We have been in communication with them on several occasions, warning them that this was going to happen and it is happening and they failed to act,” said Dinolfo.
"We're here to serve the public and make sure that the public is best protected. But whether we're talking about county resources, state resources, town resources, these costs could be avoided if the IJC better managed the lake levels."
Outside of county and state help, residents like Bob Jones are already bracing to protect their property.
"I don't understand the treaty, I mean it's beyond me, it's above us I think," said Jones. “Each homeowner is responsible for themselves and what they have to do but when you get roadblocks, it's tough."