The Resiliency & Economic Development Initiative (REDI) was created to increase the resilience of shoreline communities in response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, and bolster economic development in the region. 

The Department is leading New York State’s support for federal designation of eastern Lake Ontario as a new National Marine Sanctuary.  The proposal was first nominated by four Counties and the City of Oswego and is based on the presence of unique offshore artifacts, particularly shipwrecks, that reflect the long maritime history of the region.  This exciting proposal is expected to provide important federal protection to these resources and the increased attention to the region’s history could lead to new tourism and recreation opportunities.