April 11, 2022
New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez today announced the start of construction for two resiliency projects awarded to the Village of Fair Haven, Cayuga County, through New York State’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI). During times of high water many of the village’s boat launches become unusable and boardwalks become flooded. The first project, awarded $1,000,000 by the REDI Commission, will rehabilitate the King Street boat ramp, providing improved public access and allow for continued access during high water events. The King Street boat ramp 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 during high water events will encourage boaters to visit local businesses located around the bay.
Resiliency measures to be undertaken at the King Street boat ramp include 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.
Secretary Rodriguez also announced the start of an additional $250,000 resiliency project in the Village of Fair Haven. 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 to be implemented in the Cottage Street Public Park flood resiliency project include 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 will be replaced with a floating dock. The asphalt drive to the launch will be repaired and regraded.
New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “The Department of State has been steadfast in our work to implement critical projects that are revitalizing waterfronts and strengthening the resiliency of the Lake Ontario communities. Building back the coastal economy in ways that can continue to grow and serve the region and protecting against, and adapting to, future flooding events in ways that increase access to the waterfront is key. These new projects, Cottage Street Public Park and King Street Boat Ramp, will help ensure that the Village’s ramp and docking areas remain usable during high and low water levels, maintaining public access to Little Sodus Bay in support of the local tourist economy which is developing into a must-go destination point of the region.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “During the Lake Ontario flooding events of 2019, I traveled all over Cayuga County meeting with residents and witnessing the impacts on shoreline communities firsthand. Once again, Governor Kathy Hochul is delivering for New Yorkers. I am very glad that these REDI projects in Fair Haven – two of six such projects awarded - are getting underway. One community at a time, we are working to build a stronger and more resilient infrastructure that will withstand the impacts of global climate change for generations to come.”
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette M. Moy said, “Flood-prone communities across the southern shore of Lake Ontario are reaping the benefits from Governor Hochul’s continued support of New York State’s REDI initiative. This region of the state depends on the income and jobs generated by tourism dollars. The projects in Fair Haven are excellent examples of the work that’s needed to protect and support the recreational activities that draw people to this great and beautiful lake.”
State Senator Pamela Helming said, “The boat launch is an important part of the Village of Fair Haven and I am pleased to see these improvements get underway to protect this public asset and support the small businesses around Little Sodus Bay, boaters and recreationists. Thank you to the Village of Fair Haven, Cayuga County, New York State and the REDI Commission.”
Assemblyman Brian Manktelow said, “For years shoreline communities, like Fair Haven, have been at the mercy of Lake Ontario with unpredictable water levels and rising tides. It is reassuring to see that a project like this, which will stabilize shoreline and protect Cottage Street Public Park, are moving forward ahead of the summer season. In many ways we are communities defined by our water ways and the tourism that they bring. By investing in this project, the State is investing in our local shops, our economy and our future. I am anxious to get back out on the water, take advantage of our most precious resource.”
Cayuga County Chairperson David Gould said, “On behalf of the Cayuga County Legislature, I want to thank all that were involved in bringing the Cottage Street Public Park and King Street Boat Ramp REDI projects in the Village of Fair Haven to fruition. These highly anticipated projects will begin soon and all those that made this happen can hardly wait until these wonderful projects break ground. I also want to thank Mayor Jim Basile and the Village Board for all their hard work. The Village of Fair Haven is such a beautiful tourist destination, and these two projects will make the Village and all of Cayuga County a more attractive destination for all.”
Village of Fair Haven Mayor James Basile said, “On behalf of the Village, I would like to thank the REDI Commission and the NYS agencies who have assisted us throughout the progression of the Cottage Street Park and King Street Boat Ramp project. Following the completion of these two projects, we will be able to keep these boat launch ramps open and accessible for both residents of the Village and to visitors. The Village of Fair Haven is a popular tourist destination, and through the REDI, we are working hand in hand with NYS to ensure that this remains true, even when dealing with the high-water fluctuations along Lake Ontario.”
In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, New York State established REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Five REDI Regional Planning Committees, comprised of representatives from eight counties (Niagara and Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Oswego, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence) were established to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns. Through REDI, the State has committed up to $300 million, to benefit communities and improve resiliency in flood prone regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
For additional information, project profiles and REDI news, click here.
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