On Friday, March 28, the International Joint Commission (IJC) will be releasing their new plan to regulate Water Levels on Lake Ontario.

In anticipation of the IJC's announcement, Governor David Paterson and DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice calling on the IJC to release the plan, dubbed "Plan B+" along with the other proposed plan for public consideration and comment, allowing the public to make an informed decision on the alternatives.

Plan B+, which enjoys the strong support of environmental organizations, would benefit the ecology of the lake, the hydroelectric industry and the recreational boating community.

"The current protocol for water-level management has had a very negative impact on the ecology of Lake Ontario, severely damaging more than half the wetlands (33,000 acres) bordering the lake," according to the letter

A news conference will be held by live webcast from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (EDT) on March 28, 2008.