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Seneca Lake, New York - The Finger Lakes Wine Business Coalition (FLXWBC), a newly formed coalition of businesses in Upstate New York, has written Governor Cuomo to express grave concern for the pending DEC permit of Crestwood Midstream, a Texas-based gas company. The permit is required to store 88 million gallons of propane and butane in the abandoned salt caverns on the shores of Seneca Lake.

The four page letter outlines specific concerns of the FLX Wine Business Coalition and is signed by over 100 local businesses that depend on Finger Lakes Wine Country tourism to survive.

"The Finger Lakes Wine Industry has developed a solid working relationship with Governor Cuomo and his team to improve business conditions for the wine industry, a $4.8 billion dollar economic engine for New York," said Scott Osborn, President FLXWBC.

The FLXWBC is one of four groups opposing the issuance of a DEC permit for the Crestwood gas expansion. Joining in opposition are the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, municipalities representing Seneca Lake Communities, and Gas Free Seneca.

A DEC Issues Conference will be held February 12, 2015 to hear concerned parties' issues in Horseheads, New York at the Holiday Inn. The event is open to the public but seating is limited to 200 people, inclusive of the party representatives seeking standing.

"In addition to the DEC hearing, we are appealing directly to the Governor and his Cabinet to stop this ill-conceived plan in the Heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country. It offers all risk and little reward for the people of the Finger Lakes," said Osborn.

The Finger Lakes Wine Business Coalition (FLXWBC) is a member organization open to all wineries, vineyards, food producers and creatives in Finger Lakes Wine Country. The Mission of the FLXWBC is to lead Upstate economic development through wine-driven agritourism and sustainable business practices, unifying wineries, vineyards, local food producers and creatives who are the stewards of Finger Lakes Wine Country.

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