Congress of the Gnited States House of Representatives ‘Tlashington, BE 20515-3225 February 22, 2019 Honorable Lana Pollock Chair, US. Section Intemational Joint Commission 1717 H Street NW, Suite R01 Washington, DC 20006 ear Chair Pollock, ‘As you are aware, Lake Ontario water levels rose nearly three feet in two months’ time in 2017, reaching the highest level ever recorded, As a result, communities along the southern shore of | Lake Ontario experienced historic and devastating flooding that inflicted significant property damage to thousands of homeowners and business. As someone who lives in one of the many ‘communities hard-hit by the flood waters, I ean speak first hand tothe devastation the flooding ‘cuased and how many of my neighbors and businesses inthe region are stil struggling to rebuild and recover, ‘This past wesk it was reported thet Lake Ontario water levels are nearly 14 inches higher than average for this time of year and are almost six inches higher this year than in 2017. In addition, precipitation inthe Lake Ontario watershed has ranged from 25 to 50 pereent above seasonal averages. Over the past 60 years, lake water levels have only been this high five times. For residents still recovering from the 2017 flooding, this news has significantly heightened cconcems sbout the potential for yet further flooding in the coming spring months. (Over the past two years, in partnership with New York State, our community has undertaken cfforts to mitigate the impacts of future lake flooding and safeguard our neighbors along the ‘waterfront. However, the International Joint Commission (LIC) continues to have a critically ‘important role to play in these efforts. That is why on behalf of my community and thousands who would be adversely impacted by further flooding, I strongly urge the IC to sustain outflow atthe highest allowable levels until the risk of flooding is averted, ‘We must also recognize that this onetime adjustment will nat he enough. Our longe-term view ‘must adjust tothe reality of changing weather pattems. Communities along the waterfont are confronting the now common oceurrence of extreme weather events that are increasing the potential for flooding. In this context, we must consider the effectiveness of existing water-level regulatory efforts. I expect that New York State and its communities will continue the efforts begun in response to the 2017 event, but New York cannot do this alone. 1Congress of the United States House of Representatives ‘Blashington, BE 20515-3225 ‘The UC has a crtiel role to play. The IC's Great Lakes Adaptive Management Commitee is charged with providing ongoing assessments ofthe impact of Great Lakes water-level regulations | ask thatthe IC direct the Committe, to formally study and publicly report on ‘changing climate patterns and conditions that might warrant revisions to eurent water-level regulations I believe that thoughtful consideration and appropriate management of the lake level will help ezolve current concems. Hook forward to your response and to working together fo ensure the appropriate and necessary preventative measures are taken to ensure the safety of our shores, Sincerely, ep. Joseph D. Morelle 2