Milestones for Resiliency Projects in Town of Greece, Monroe County

June 25, 2021 - Then-Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced construction has completed at the West Point Marina, one of the 11 projects awarded to the Town of Greece, Monroe County, through the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. The completed $1 million REDI grant funded project will help protect West Point Marina, also known as Braddock Bay Marina, from future flooding and ensure continuous recreational opportunities.

With 300 public slips and its location within the eight-acre New York State-owned Braddock Bay Park, West Point Marina is a critical part of the Town's economy. During high water periods, the marina's seawall, at a previous elevation of 248.5', was completely submerged, and the existing fuel pump were exposed to standing water. Wave action during these periods threatened to damage the pump and created a hazardous flooding condition by overtopping the seawall.

Resiliency measures in this project included:

Replacing marina seawall to a height above flood level;
Raising fuel pump above flood elevation and improving flood resiliency;
Installing new storm drainage infrastructure;
Raising ADA accessible walkways above flood elevation; and
Water and electric services upgraded and protected in a new flood resilient structure.

"In 2019, historic flooding on Lake Ontario devastated the infrastructure and economies of numerous communities throughout the region. Now, through the REDI, shoreline communities like the Town of Greece are building back better and more resilient," then-Governor Cuomo said. "By taking a forward-looking approach, implementing critical flood mitigation measures along the shoreline, and improving and strengthening infrastructure, we are not only protecting residents and property, but safeguarding the town's critical tourism industry and enhancing quality of life for future generations."

"New York State is continuing to invest in our shoreline communities helping them build back better, smarter and more resilient," said then-Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "West Point Marina in the Town of Greece has faced tremendous challenges in recent years due to climate change, but the improvements made here will protect against future flooding, increase public accessibility and safety, and ensure it remains a place of enjoyment for future generations."

Then-Governor Cuomo also announced that an additional resiliency project has started construction in the Town of Greece. The intersection of Edgemere and Island Cottage and adjacent roadways are prone to flooding and storm sewer system backflow during highwater that impact accessibility to area homes and businesses. The completed project will mitigate these impacts during high water events, as well as ensure that the roadway remains open to residents and emergency vehicles. Mitigation measures for this project include replacing the storm sewer system and installing check valves to prevent backflows. Additionally, a new stormwater pumping station will be constructed. The REDI Commission awarded the Town $850,000 to complete this project.

New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, "The Department of State is proud to have worked with the Town of Greece through the REDI program to build a more resilient West Point Marina. Building resilience to extreme weather events is critical for the future prosperity of our Lake Ontario shoreline communities. This important investment will bolster the local economy and ensure residents and visitors can enjoy safe and accessible boating access to Lake Ontario for years to come."

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, the DOT and our state and local REDI partners are hyper-focused on restoring our lakeshore communities and mitigating the impacts of future flooding events. These storm sewer projects along Edgemere Drive will improve the resiliency of our infrastructure and will help protect local homes and businesses for whatever mother nature has in store."

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said,"These REDI projects continue to be a lifeline for our shoreline communities. These improvements are critical to safeguarding access to these communities, protecting the safety of those who live in these regions, and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy."

DASNY President and CEO Reuben R. McDaniel III said, "DASNY is proud to support Governor Cuomo's vision for protecting communities from flooding and to enhance New York's economy. The REDI projects moving forward in Greece demonstrate Governor Cuomo's strong commitment to protecting the infrastructure and economic vitality of New York's waterfront communities."

Assemblyman Josh Jensen said, "As our lakeshore community knows more than most, the threat of high water and the flooding it causes can have devastating effects. With the completion of these critically important improvements in the Town of Greece, the resiliency of our shoreline will dramatically increase, and residents and small business will feel more secure if, and when, lake levels rise again. I have been proud to support state investment in our community and applaud the partnership between the State of New York and the Town of Greece to ensure completion of this much needed improvements."

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, "The REDI grant funded project taking place at West Point Marina is imperative in preventing any future hazardous conditions involving water levels and the existing fuel pump. Over the last several years, the variability in the water levels of Lake Ontario has tested communities living close to its shores. This project, along with existing and ongoing projects, like the one mitigating flood damage at the corner of Edgemere Drive and Island Cottage Road in Greece, are the answers this test is looking for. Being proactive with infrastructure is the best way to combat any future times of abnormally high water levels. I want to thank New York State and Governor Cuomo for their commitment to improving the Lake Ontario shoreline in Monroe County through these efforts."

Town of Greece Supervisor William Reilich said, "Reconstruction of the seawall at Braddock Bay Marina has protected this important public resource and will allow our revitalization of the area to continue in the face of unpredictable water levels.", said Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich. "The resurgence of recreational boating has recharged our waterfront economy and this project will allow that activity to continue and grow. The project is a perfect example of how resiliency and economic development go hand-in-hand. With yet another REDI project complete and three more underway, we are on track to make the most of these resources. We are grateful to the Governor and his leadership team for continuing to make the REDI program a priority. In addition, I would like to recognize the agency staff at every level who continue to coordinate with us to make the program a success."

In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, then-Governor Cuomo created 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. The REDI Commission allocated $20 million for homeowner assistance, $30 million to improve the resiliency of businesses, and $15 million toward a regional dredging effort that will benefit each of the eight counties in the REDI regions. The remaining $235 million has been allocated towards local and regional projects that advance and exemplify the REDI mission.

The REDI Commission toured areas hard hit by flooding on Lake Ontario and worked with local communities to come up with a new vision for the shoreline from both a point of view of resiliency and for economic development in order to build back better and stronger for the future.

Since the creation of the Governor's REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 133 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 97 projects in the design phase, 17 projects in the construction phase, and 19 projects completed.

For additional information, project profiles and REDI news, click here.