MARTIN DUNHAM RESERVOIR SHOULD BE REPAIRED AND SAVED, SAYS RENSSELAER COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE MCLAUGHLIN

The Martin Dunham Reservoir should be repaired by New York State and saved for residents and visitors both today and in the future, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said today.

Calling the reservoir an important environmental and recreational resource, McLaughlin said he is calling on the Governor and state leaders to repair and protect the reservoir located in the Town of Grafton.

The state is considering a full or partial removal of the dam instead of making needed repairs for the structure. Removal of the dam, either completely or partially, would drain the waterway and hurt recreational use and environmental value in the coming years.

The loss of the dam would not only hurt recreational activities in the area, it would also affect residential wells in the area and resources used for fire protection.

“The state has the resources needed and the obligation to repair and maintain the Martin Dunham Reservoir for future generations. The only option that should be considered by the state is full repair of the structure,” said McLaughlin.

“A failure to repair the Dunham reservoir would amount to a failure by the state to meet their obligations and commitments to residents in the area. That would be unfair and also hurt the environment and recreation in the area,” said McLaughlin.

McLaughlin reminded state leaders of the numerous programs, commitments and regulations enacted in recent years with the aim to promote and protect the environment across the state. The removal of the dam seems contrary to many of the same policies espoused by the state, particularly, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, said McLaughlin.

“The state is always emphasizing the importance of conservation and protection of natural resources, and that focus should be extended to the Dunham reservoir. This is a state that is always claiming to be friendly to the environment, yet it cannot come up with minimal resources to save a dam that is crucial to the environment? That does not make sense or ring true,” added McLaughlin.