Fish Passage (Westfield, NY)
Project Description
Located in the town of Westfield, Chautauqua Creek is a tributary of Lake Erie. Two small dams currently block a variety of native and naturalized Lake Erie fish species, including steelhead trout, from reaching high-quality spawning areas in upper Chautauqua Creek. The project will evaluate a variety of fish passage and dam removal measures at the dams in order to allow spawning fish access to upstream areas and restore fishery populations. Any project constructed will be required to include measures that would block sea lampreys.
A federal project at the Water Works dams on Chautauqua Creek will significantly increase the amount and quality of habitat available for steelhead spawning by providing access to approximately 10 miles of high-quality spawning habitat located upstream of the Water Works dams. The implementation of this project would also contribute to goals outlined in a Great Lakes basin-wide management plan developed by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
If the project is not constructed, the issues of riverine habitat, fish passage, and recolonization will persist well into the future.
Nonfederal Partners
- Village of Westfield
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Congressional Interest
- Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY)
- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
- Representative Brian Higgins (D-NY-27)
Current Status
Planning and design documentation has been completed. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2011.
Funding (feasability only)
| Total | Federal | Nonfederal | |
| Current working estimate | $575,735 | $374,228 | $201,507 |
| Funding to date | $575,735 | $374,228 | $201,507 |
| Funds required to complete project | $0 | $0 | $0 |
NOTE: The project is fully funded.
Project Manager Patti McKenna Click here to download a copy |