UPDATE: State of Emergency Declared in Cuba NY
Dyke near Cuba Lake Yacht Club failed, lake flooded with dangerous debris
Cuba Police Department statement, photo by Skip Wilday
UPDATE: State of Emergency issued by Town Supervisor Lee James. Please read important information.
Due to recent rain and flooding in and around the Cuba Lake District, we have consulted with various local, state, and federal partners, including the New York State Governors Office, Allegany County Chairman Brook Harris, Town of Cuba Police Department, Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Cuba Ambulance Department, Cuba Fire Department, Allegany County Emergency Services, and Cattaragus County Emergency Services. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to issue a travel ban for Cuba Lake. No water vessels, including boats, jet skis, kayaks, or any other watercraft, are permitted to launch or travel on Cuba Lake during the duration of this order. This ban also extends to swimming and fishing. Several factors guided our decision, primarily the potential for physical injury and the possibility of chemicals or other substances in the water due to the flooding. We are actively working to develop an efficient and effective plan to mitigate this issue. We understand that this may not be a popular decision, but the overall health and well-being of all those who live, work, and play in Cuba and Cuba Lake are our top priorities. We express our gratitude for your understanding and assistance in this matter. We would like to thank all the agencies assisting us during this challenging process. We will keep you updated as we receive new developments. This order is enforceable by law enforcement. Thank you once again.
Lee James, Town Supervisor
Dustin Burch, Chief of Police
Earlier: Our department, in collaboration with the Cuba Lake District, kindly requests that all cottage owners and individuals planning recreational visits to the lake refrain from entering the water. The lake is currently grappling with a significant amount of debris, including tree limbs, trunks, sticks, plastic bottles, oil cans, and other items that are being diligently cleaned up. These debris items pose a risk to your watercraft and your health. We kindly request your patience as we work diligently to clean up the lake in the aftermath of last evening’s storms. Thank you for your cooperation.
From the Cottage Owners Association.
