Governor Hochul Announces Completion of a Series of Flood Resiliency Projects in Jefferson County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced construction is complete of six flood resiliency projects in Jefferson County. The completed projects within the Village of Alexandria Bay and Cape Vincent were awarded nearly $7 million combined in grant funding through the State's Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. The completed REDI-funded projects will help mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events, improve resiliency of the shoreline, ensure recreational boaters have continued access to the village docks, and improve accessibility for visitors to popular destinations like Scenic View Park Pier and East End Park.

“As climate change continues to cause extreme weather events to become more intense and frequent, New York is delivering on our promise to proactively combat the often devastating impacts extreme weather has our shoreline communities,” Governor Hochul said. “The completion of these transformative flood resiliency projects in Alexandria Bay and Cape Vincent is a perfect example of our state and local governments successfully working together to build stronger, more resilient communities for generations of New Yorkers to come.”

Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River shoreline communities experienced devastating flooding in 2019, when the waters of rose to historic levels. The extensive flooding resulted in significant damage to public infrastructure, including docks, boat launches, wharfs, and water treatment facilities. Dock closures are hard on communities which thrive on a tourism-based economy and rely on recreational boaters and anglers visiting the region.

Today's announcement includes:

• Upper and Lower James Street Docks, village of Alexandria Bay, $2 million: The Upper and Lower James Street docks are a vital access point into the village of Alexandria Bay, not only for the residents of the approximately 20 islands within the village boundaries, but also for island and waterfront residents in areas outside of the village limits. The docks serve as a gateway for visitors and tourists from the St. Lawrence River as the main portal for those arriving by boat, allowing direct access to the James Street business district. During the flooding of 2019, the docks were underwater and inaccessible to boaters. To ensure that the docks remain open in future high-water events, the entire Lower James Street Dock and a section of the Upper James Street Dock were replaced with a new floating dock system. The remaining Upper James Street Dock were elevated above flood level.
• Scenic View Park Pier, village of Alexandria Bay, $1.1 million: The village's Scenic View Park is a three-acre public park located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, and includes a pavilion, a public beach, as well as a concrete wharf along the river. The wharf is 200 feet in length, is one of the largest docking locations within the community and is the sole public location in the village of Alexandria Bay that can accommodate larger boats and cruise ships. In 2019, the wharf was completely submerged, causing the structure to become severely deteriorated and damaged in several areas making portions of the wharf unusable. Through the REDI program, sections of the wharf were repaired or completely replaced mitigating future damage and allowing continued use when water levels are above average. The project also includes additional site upgrades including new concrete walkways, installation of an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant lift for wheelchairs and strollers, and lighting along the wharf and walkway.
• Village Water Treatment Plant, village of Alexandria Bay, $260,000: The Village of Alexandria Bay's Water Treatment Plant provides potable water to commercial properties, the River Hospital, and residents within the Village as well as six outside water districts in the Towns of Alexandria, Orleans, Clayton, and Theresa. Due to its proximity to the St. Lawrence River, during high water events the water treatment plant and wet well is within inches of being flooded. Flooding of the wet well and water treatment plant would compromise water quality and availability. Flood mitigation measures for this project included installing a new concrete slab in the water filtration plant so the finished floor elevation is above the historic high-water levels. A new two-foot precast riser section was added to the raw water wet well so it is now above record high water levels and protection from wave action. The treatment building’s exterior on the river side was replaced and weatherproofed, as well as elevation adjustments to the infrastructure and exterior doors. This project also included the installation of riprap from the treatment building toward the water to protect the water filtration plant from wave action, and exterior wall improvements.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and REDI Commission Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, "DEC continues to work closely with communities along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River to advance the REDI program. With the support of Governor Hochul and collaboration from partner agencies and local elected officials, REDI is helping to protect homes, habitats, businesses, and critical municipal assets like parks, water infrastructure, and roads from future flooding and extreme weather. The Alexandria Bay and Cape Vincent projects announced today will improve the resiliency of the villages and region for generations to come and are a testament to New York's continued commitment to building our shoreline communities back better and stronger."

Empire State Development President, CEO, Commissioner and REDI Commission Co-Chair Hope Knight said, “Community enhancements like the ones recently completed in the villages of Alexandria Bay and Cape Vincent go a long way in drawing more visitors to the waterfront, resulting in a brighter economic future for the region. Cape Vincent and Alexandria Bay are two of many locations that are benefiting from successful improvement projects implemented by Governor Hochul’s REDI Commission, and many more are still underway.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO and Jefferson County REDI Commissioner Justin E. Driscoll said, “It is exciting to see so many of New York’s REDI program’s projects coming to fruition this fall. The investments made by the REDI Commission along the shores of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario have resulted in many benefits that will protect our communities and support tourism and economic development for years to come. The projects announced today will provide necessary protection from weather-related events and new opportunities for residents and tourists to enjoy the region.”

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Today’s announcement is evidence of Governor Hochul’s commitment to providing real solutions that position shoreline communities for growth, prosperity, and resiliency in the face of climate change and extreme weather. EFC is pleased to have participated with Alexandria Bay and state partners on the REDI program, especially to get the critical flood mitigation project at the village's drinking water treatment plant across the finish line.”

State Senator Mark Walczyk said, "Investing in tourism catalysts such as Alexandria Bay and Cape Vincent are important endeavors for Jefferson County and the 49th Senate District. Upgrades to key infrastructure help ensure the Front Yard of America remains beautiful and resilient."

Assemblymember Scott Gray said, "Cape Vincent and Alexandria Bat are completing nearly $7 million in projects designed and built for outstanding resiliency! The completion of these projects showcases the commitment by Governor Hochul and New York State to safeguard the community. With the latest investments in the villages, they can continue to enhance safety and accessibility for residents and visitors. The REDI commission is dedicated to resiliency and enhancing economic growth. Well done, Cape Vincent and Alexandria Bay!"

Jefferson County Chairman William Johnson said, “Jefferson County, as well as the entire region, have felt the benefit of state and local government working together. Through the REDI Program, and the partnerships it has forged, vital flood mitigation projects have been completing along our shorelines that are sure to benefit communities, like Alex Bay and Cape Vincent, for generations to come. By ensuring that public infrastructure is protected, and recreational spaces remain open and accessible, New York State has followed through on its promise to help prepare the region for extreme weather and bolster the local economies.”

Village of Alexandria Bay Mayor Steven Jarvis said, “Working on the REDI projects has been an exciting ride and we thank New York State for taking us along on this journey and for their strong partnership. The completed projects are being enjoyed by all, from residents to tourists, the transformation has received high praise.”

Cape Vincent Mayor Jerry Golden said, “The village is extremely thankful for New York State’s commitment to Cape Vincent following the horrific flooding the village suffered in 2019. The work could not have been completed without the partnership with the state and the assistance of state agency staff who helped us move these projects from design, through construction, to completion.”

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 28 projects in the design phase, 35 projects in the construction phase, and 71 projects completed.

The town of Alexandria was also awarded $618,000 through an Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grant administered by the Department of State (DOS) Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), which will complement these REDI projects. Working together with the village of Alexandria Bay, the municipalities have designed and installed streetscape improvements along several streets and Captain Thomson Park that will help to create an inviting and safe connections to and from the waterfront and the village’s downtown. Improvements include sidewalk repairs, benches, lights, trash receptacles, and bike racks. Repairs and improvements have also been made to two publicly owned docks and boat launches located at Holland Street and Crossman Street, which will upgrade aging and degraded infrastructure. Together, these projects will further connect the village's downtown to the new Riverwalk, facilitating low-impact development and improving river access, walkability, and amenities for residents, business owners, and tourists.

The DOS has worked with the village and town of Cape Vincent for decades with their original Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), receiving Secretary of State and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admiration (NOAA) approval in 1988. Over the years the village and town have been awarded over $1.7 million dollars from the LWRP to improve, enhance, and protect their waterfront. Collaborative efforts in updating and drafting a joint town and village LWRP are underway. This long-standing relationship has continued, with the village of Cape Vincent, in partnership with the town of Cape Vincent, addressing damages on the landward side of East End Park, complementing the REDI funded project. The goals and objectives were centered on restoring infrastructure along the shoreline of the park for public use and enhancing the opportunities the park and waterfront provide for visitors, events, and venders/venues by improving the sidewalks and addressing drainage. The efforts aim to attract larger events, increasing overall tourism and public waterfront access, boater amenities, and increasing resiliency.

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