Crews complete resiliency project at Port of Oswego marina

OSWEGO — A construction project that will enhance resiliency at the Goble Marina located within the Port of Oswego is now complete. The state’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) awarded the project more than $1.75 million. Marie Therese Dominguez, commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), announced the project’s completion during a visit to the marina Aug. 12. “Today is truly a celebration of the wonderful collaboration that has taken place between our state and local REDI partners,” Dominguez said in the NYSDOT announcement. “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.” The effort involved installation of a new docking system that is better able to withstand extreme weather events. It’ll “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,” per the state’s announcement. 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 the downtown area. 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 NYSDOT noted. 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.

Previous projects

The additional four projects are complete. They included a $300,000 award for the east operating dock. The project involved the 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,” the NYSDOT said. Another project targeted the Port Authority Marina with a $40,000 award. In that effort, crews installed new, self-adjusting docks to replace docks that were at a fixed elevation. The Port Authority West Pier project was awarded $149,513. It involved shoreline-stabilization measures along the West Pier where high water and excessive wave action had “negatively impacted the berm.” In addition, $70,000 in state funding helped spur the West Pier, Le High Cement project. That project involved 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, per the NYSDOT announcement.