A series of flood resiliency projects in northern Cayuga County has been completed.
Governor Hochul has announced the completion of the four Fair Haven projects that included flood resiliency work and repairs to the West Barrier Bar Park, King Street Boat Ramp, Lake Street Pump House, and Little Sodus Harbor/Cottage Street Public Park.
The combined cost of all four projects was approximately 3.7-million dollars.
A complete breakdown of the projects as well as statements from state and local leaders can be found below:
West Barrier Bar Park, $1,863,381: Continued flooding and intense wave action eroded the shorelines of the barrier bar, causing sections of the park to become inundated and inaccessible for public use. The West Barrier Bar Park flood mitigation project included regrading the Lake Ontario shoreline to return the beach to ideal conditions that allow the public to access the water and make an enjoyable beach and park experience. Additionally, an offshore rock sill was installed to help create a living shoreline to reduce wave energy and protect the Little Sodus Bay shoreline from erosion.
King Street Ramp, $718,619: The King Street boat ramp and parking area is located on the west side of Little Sodus Bay. The boat launch is one of the main access points for recreation in the bay, drawing tourists from across the State. Maintaining the use of the boat ramp and parking area during high water events was critical for supporting local businesses located around the bay. Resiliency measures undertaken at the King Street boat ramp and parking area included raising the elevations of the existing retaining walls, replacement of heaved concrete boat ramp slabs, and the installation of guardrails along the top of the retaining walls.
Lake Street Pump House, $656,500: High lake levels left the Lake Street pump house vulnerable to inundation, placing this important public utility at risk for failure and compromising water quality. The pump house serves Fair Haven State Park and local residences. Flood mitigation implemented in the project included the installation of steel sheet piling and rip rap along the shoreline to control erosion and mitigate future flooding.
Little Sodus Harbor/Cottage Street Public Park, $487,600: Cottage Street Public Park is located on the east side of Little Sodus Bay and is a main access point of recreation in the bay. Ensuring that the park’s boat ramp and docking area remain usable during high water and that there is continued access to the Little Sodus Bay is important to support the local tourist economy. Mitigation measures implemented in the Cottage Street Public Park flood resiliency project included the repair of the existing concrete boat ramp, raising the heights of existing retaining walls, and adding a guardrail on top of the retaining walls. Additionally, the current wooden dock was replaced with a floating dock and the asphalt drive to the launch was repaired and regraded.
“New York has a special responsibility to be stewards of the Great Lakes and protect them for the people who live in these communities and the businesses that operate here,” Governor Hochul said. “While residents who live and work along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River have faced tremendous challenges in recent years, New York is taking action to help build stronger, more resilient communities. Today’s completion of improvements in Fair Haven will help protect the village from future high-water events and ensure that it prospers for future generations.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner and REDI Commission Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, “At Governor Hochul’s direction, DEC continues to work closely with flood-prone communities along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, helping to protect homes, businesses, and critical municipal assets like parks, water infrastructure, and roads. These projects in Fair Haven strengthen the resiliency of the village’s shoreline and vital infrastructure.”
New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriquez said, “New York continues to identify and target transformative projects along the Lake Ontario shoreline to improve the resilience of communities along the lake. Through the REDI program, state and local governments are working together to adapt to extreme water levels at popular destinations like the West Barrier Bar Park in Cayuga County. Our investment in this property will help strengthen a popular tourist destination, ensuring it continues to serve as an important component of the regional economy and a centerpiece of the community long into the future.”
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said, “The completion of these critical projects in Fair Haven will bring enormous benefits to the community. Little Sodus Bay offers tremendous recreational opportunities and unique natural resources that many have come to appreciate. Investments to maintain and upgrade the area’s facilities help increase access and add to the enjoyment for all who come to the region. I congratulate everyone who worked hard to make these improvements a reality. ”
Cayuga County Chairperson David Gould said, “Project after project the REDI Program is helping Lake Ontario shoreline communities build back stronger, ensuring the area is prepared for future flooding events. We commend Governor Hochul and the REDI Team for their continued support and commitment to building resilience in the region.”
Village of Fair Haven Mayor James Basile said, “The REDI projects that have completed are welcome improvements that include resilient infrastructure which will mitigate flooding created by lake level revisions introduced by Plan 2014 and help to ensure that these popular public gathering areas remain open and accessible. Thank you to the REDI Commission and the REDI Team for their support and guidance as the Village navigated the design and construction process.”
