Construction has started on four flood-resiliency projects in the town of Alexandria and village of Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County. Construction has also begun on a series of flood-resiliency projects in the village of Clayton in Jefferson County. Alexandria Bay area The Alexandria Bay–area projects were awarded more than $3.8 million in grant funding through […]
Construction has started on four flood-resiliency projects in the town of Alexandria and village of Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County.
Construction has also begun on a series of flood-resiliency projects in the village of Clayton in Jefferson County.
Alexandria Bay area
The Alexandria Bay–area projects were awarded more than $3.8 million in grant funding through the state’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Aug. 18.
The village of Alexandria Bay and town of Alexandria dealt with “devastating” flooding in 2019 when the waters of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River rose to “historic levels.” The extensive flooding resulted in significant damage to the public infrastructure in both the town and village. The damage impacted docks, boat launches, wharfs, and water-treatment facilities.
Dock closures are difficult on a community that thrives on a tourism-based economy and relies on recreational boaters and anglers visiting the region.
The state’s REDI commission awarded the Village of Alexandria Bay a total of $3.36 million for three projects.
The announcement for the village includes $2 million for work on the upper and lower James Street docks, $1.1 million for work at the Scenic View Park Pier, and $260,000 for flood-mitigation measures at the village water-treatment plant.
The commission also awarded the Town of Alexandria $455,000 to complete its REDI project, Hochul’s office said.
Clayton projects
The four Clayton projects were awarded nearly $6.3 million in grant funding through REDI, the governor’s office announced July 28.
Once complete, these REDI-funded projects will help mitigate the impact of future high-water events and improve resiliency of the shoreline, the state says.
“Today’s investments in these transformative projects along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are critical in helping ensure the welfare of our shoreline communities,” Hochul said. “Through the REDI Program, we are working closely with local governments to address the threat of future flooding and mitigate the effects of climate change. Once complete, these improvements will stimulate economic development, promote tourism, and keep this popular destination safe and accessible during high water — ensuring that the Village of Clayton remains a thriving community for residents and visitors alike.”
The REDI commission awarded the village more than $8.6 million for a total of five projects. The fifth awarded resiliency project — the Village of Clayton Wastewater Collection and Treatment Plant improvements — began construction in 2021 and work is progressing.
The announcement also includes $2.5 million for work at the Riverwalk, nearly $2.5 million for the Crib Dock at Mary Street boat launch, $975,000 for the Village Docks by Veterans Memorial Monument, and $250,000 for work at the Frink Park regional dock.
The St. Lawrence River in 2019 had record-high water levels that resulted in devastating floods throughout communities along the river’s shoreline, the state says. The flood waters resulted in degradation of public infrastructure. They also restricted public use of popular tourist destinations like the Riverwalk, negatively impacting public safety and local economies.
About REDI
New York officials created REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. It was done in response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
The state established five REDI regional planning committees to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns. The committees are comprised of representatives from eight counties: Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence.
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.
Since the creation of the state’s REDI program in spring 2019, 134 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway or completed, including 56 projects in the design phase, 37 projects in the construction phase, and 41 projects completed.