Ban on watercraft on Cuba Lake extended as cleanup continues
CUBA — Town officials are still working with the Cuba Lake District, Allegany County and New York state officials to clean debris from the lake, the result of flash flooding last Friday.
“While some progress has been made, there is still more work to be done,” Cuba Police Chief Dustin Burch stated in a press release Wednesday. “Consequently, the five-day ban on all watercraft on Cuba Lake has been extended.”
Only those designated to assist with debris removal should be on the water during the ban, the chief said.
“We kindly request everyone’s understanding during this time and refrain from interfering with the cleanup efforts by entering the water,” he said. “We will keep everyone updated as the process progresses. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.”
Heavy rains and flooding last Friday washed tree branches and trash into Cuba Lake and a travel ban on the lake was issued Saturday afternoon.
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 the order, which was first issued at 4 p.m. Saturday by Cuba Town Supervisor Lee James and Burch.
The ban also includes swimming and fishing on the lake.
Burch and James said they consulted with local, state and federal officials, including the governor’s office, Allegany County Legislature Chairman Brook Harris, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Cuba Ambulance Department, Cuba Fire Department, Allegany County Emergency Services and Cattaragus County Emergency Services before issuing the order.
The town is also working with the state Department of Environmental Resources in ongoing cleanup efforts on the lake.
At 9 p.m. last Friday, Allegany County issued a state of emergency related to flooding and instituted a temporary travel ban in the towns of Cuba and West Almond, as well as a travel advisory in the towns of Almond, Friendship, New Hudson and Rushford.
The state of emergency and travel ban were rescinded at 9 a.m. Saturday, although a travel ban remained in effect until noon around the Cuba Lake area.
