New York State Department of Transportation

08/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/12/2024 13:37

State Department of Transportation Announces Completion of Project to Improve Resilience at the Goble Marina in the Port of Oswego

Contact: TeNesha Murphy, (315) 428-4351
Release Date: August 12, 2024

State Department of Transportation Announces Completion of Project to Improve Resilience at the Goble Marina in the Port of Oswego

New Weather Resistant Docks Create Additional Access to Downtown for Recreational Boaters and Promote Tourism
Project Received $1.75 Million from New York State's $300 Million Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that major construction has been completed on a project that will enhance resiliency at the Goble Marina located within the Port of Oswego, Oswego County. The project, which received more than $1.75 million in grant funding through the State's Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), installed a new docking system that is better able to withstand extreme weather events and will help ensure that this popular location for recreational boaters seeking access to the City of Oswego's vibrant downtown area is ready for the challenges posed by global climate change. The marina was one of five REDI projects at the Port of Oswego receiving a total of $2.3 million in funding awarded by the REDI Commission.
"Today is truly a celebration of the wonderful collaboration that has taken place between our state and local REDI partners," Commissioner Dominguez said. "As a REDI Commissioner I have participated in this cooperative effort to fortify the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River shoreline communities against the increased frequency of extreme weather. With this final project, the last of five projects that are now complete, we have made significant investments to fortify this gateway to recreation and global commerce - making sure we can accommodate maritime traffic and cargo which is crucial for the region and state's economic future. Thanks to Governor Hochul's continued investment, each project undertaken within the REDI framework is contributing to a more secure, resilient, and prosperous future for New York and I could not be prouder of the work New York State DOT has played along with our partners, to bring these amazing series of projects to life."
In 2019, flooding along Lake Ontario devastated critical infrastructure at the Port of Oswego, including further eroding the earthen dock used by the community to access downtown The Goble Marina project replaced the eroded earthen dock with a new docking system that will support up to 25 recreational boats. Additional improvements to the site included new sidewalks and lighting, upgraded electrical service and refurbishment of the existing bathhouse pavilion.
The Port of Oswego, located on Lake Ontario, is a leading international port, which supports nearly 120 vessels, allowing more than one million tons of cargo to pass through the port on an annual basis. An important economic driver to the region, and New York's only Grain Export Center on Lake Ontario, the port is home to 14 companies that utilize the harbor for their domestic and international operations, as well as the Oswego Marina, H. Lee White Marine Museum, and historic maritime district.
The Port of Oswego was awarded five projects totaling more than $2.3 million in grant funding through the REDI program. The additional four projects are complete, and include:
  • • East Operating Dock, $300,000 award: Installation of a cellular steel sheeting wall to break high water wave action in the impacted area to protect the north end of the East Operating Dock. This project will also protect the integrity of the dock, ensuring continued operation and maintaining public safety.
  • • Port Authority Marina, $40,000 award: Installed new, self-adjusting docks to replace docks that were at a fixed elevation.
  • • Port Authority West Pier, $149,513 award: Shoreline stabilization measures along the West Pier where high water and excessive wave action had negatively impacted the berm.
  • • West Pier, Le High Cement, $70,000 award: Underwater wall repairs that sealed the face of the wall and will prevent future loss of fill behind the wall, stabilization of the existing concrete cap using tiebacks and reconstruction of the working pier surface behind the wall.
REDI Co-Chair and Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Access to public marinas is vital to the economies of communities on the Lake Ontario shoreline. The additions and upgrades to the Port of Oswego Marina will protect the area from damage cause by wave action, while boosting community use and bolstering the local economy. The completion of this latest REDI project comes at the height of the boating season, just in time for both residents and visitors to enjoy the newly improved summer destination."
Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, "The completion of Goble Marina and four additional REDI projects at the Port of Oswego are prime examples of Governor Hochul's sustained commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing Lake Ontario shoreline communities impacted by flooding and extreme weather. This new public marina will increase public access to the lake, providing another avenue for residents and visitors to the city of Oswego to enjoy a day on the water boating and fishing."
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, "The completion of the Port of Oswego marina project demonstrates how Governor Hochul is successfully tackling the challenges climate change poses to Lake Ontario's communities and the state's maritime economy. Oswego residents can be proud of what's been accomplished under the REDI program to ensure their commercial and recreational port facilities are safe, resilient, and able to withstand future high-water events caused by climate-driven extreme weather."
DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "DASNY is proud to partner with state agencies, local governments and the state legislature on a program dedicated to protecting New Yorkers and invests in the future stability and resiliency of our state. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to strengthening and protecting communities from extreme weather across New York, and her ongoing support of this important initiative."
Senator John W. Mannion said, "The completion of the fifth and final stage of the $2.3M REDI Port of Oswego upgrades will safeguard critical infrastructure from extreme weather while supporting the local economy and recreational opportunities on Lake Ontario. I'm proud to support the REDI program and deliver these resiliency projects for my constituents. I commend and thank Governor Hochul and the DOT for their oversight and completion of this important work."
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said, "The completion of the Port of Oswego project marks a major milestone in revitalizing and strengthening our community. The port is a significant economic driver to Oswego and home to various companies that utilize it for domestic and international operations. This project has strengthened the Port's infrastructure after it experienced severe flooding in 2019, ensuring recreational boaters have continued access to downtown Oswego. I want to thank all those involved in making this project possible and look forward to the continued growth and success of the Port of Oswego."
Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup said, "The most recent project that was awarded to the Port of Oswego from the State's Lake Ontario REDI program will secure future growth for the port, the city of Oswego, and the entire county. There have been various opportunities to restore our lakeshore through REDI grant programs. This recent project will add to our community by providing opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure improvement and tourism related activities."
City of Oswego Mayor Robert Corradino said, "The flooding our region experienced in 2017 & 2019 certainly had significant consequences. Our community and Port were, without question, severely impacted. Through the generous awards of the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative, the negative outcomes were able to be beautifully remedied, while also providing opportunity to address critical preservation efforts by building back better for future generations to enjoy. Thank you!"
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 regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Since the creation of the State's REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 134 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 26 projects in the design phase, 19 projects in the construction phase, and 89 projects completed.
For additional information, project profiles and REDI news, click here.