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$42 million awarded to fight harmful algal blooms in Eastern Finger Lakes

Green scum on dark green water
The Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition will use the funding to reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality in the watershed region.

The Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition has been awarded $42 million to combat harmful algal blooms in the region’s watershed. The rapid buildup of algae in lakes and streams can be dangerous to both people and pets.

The funding will support a mix of on- and off-farm projects designed to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff in the Eastern Finger Lakes. Coalition members hope the efforts will not only prevent future blooms, but also improve overall water and soil health throughout the area.

Bob Beck, a veteran media professional, currently serves as a part-time editor/host at WAER Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Syracuse University. Beck retired as News Director at Wyoming Public Radio in 2022 after 34 years. During his time, Beck won 5 regional Edward R. Murrow awards and 5 Public Media Journalists Association awards for reporting. He also won 11 PMJA awards for the news and public affairs program Open Spaces. He was awarded the Wyoming School Bell award for education reporting and was part of two Emmy Award winning television productions. You can find him on X under the name @butterbob.