Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the development and implementation of the International Joint Commission’s (IJC) Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Plan 2014 (Plan 2014):
“Today’s release of the GAO’s review of IJC and Plan 2014 highlights the importance of communication between IJC and our river communities as we collectively address the issues along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The GAO has found that IJC can improve its communication with local officials and stakeholders, an issue that I have regularly spoken with IJC officials about over the past few years. It is essential that our communities along the river who have been severely impacted by floods in 2017 and 2019 have a consistent seat at the table, and that IJC is transparent in their adaptive management strategy process. I have consistently advocated for a balanced approach in addressing water level issues in our river communities, and for the review of modifications and updates that should be made to Plan 2014. That’s why I am leading the push to secure dedicated funding for the IJC to complete their review of Plan 2014 in this year’s appropriations package. While there are improvements yet to be made, I am encouraged by the actions IJC has committed to in response to this report.”
