In 2018, Chautauqua County’s Legislature appointed a group of local officials to explore forming a Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District. The Chautauqua Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Agency was tasked with evaluating needs and making recommendations to the County Legislature regarding the potential creation of a Chautauqua Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District (also referred to as the Chautauqua Lake District, or the Lake District). If formed, the District would provide a consistent revenue source and specific management objectives for lake maintenance in order to improve the health and use of the lake.
The Agency has met regularly since early 2019 to research and discuss the details of a potential Lake District, and has developed a preliminary outline of key components that would be included in a District Plan, including potential boundaries, services to be provided, governance options, and fee structure options. In 2020 and into 2021, the Agency sought input from the community on some of these potential components of the District Plan.
Please click on the link below to access a series of Frequently Asked Questions about the Lake District.
A community survey was opened on February 9, 2021 to gather input on elements of a potential Lake District. The survey closed on March 15, 2021. The results of that survey were released on April 20, 2021 and can be accessed though the link below:
In July 2021, the Agency met and agreed to pursue an analysis of alternative funding options for the protection and rehabilitation of Chautauqua Lake. This analysis would look at funding options beyond the narrowly defined Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District that has been discussed up to this point. In December 2021, the County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for this analysis. It is expected that a firm will be hired and this analysis will begin in 2022.
If you have additional questions about the Chautauqua Lake District, please contact the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development, at chautauquaplanning@chqgov.com or 716-661-8900.