N.Y. Gov. Cuomo Announces Groundbreaking for Flood-Resilient Lake Ontario Marine Park

ALBANY, New York, Aug. 20 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following news release on Aug. 19:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the groundbreaking of a new project to improve flood resiliency at Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park in Monroe County. The $2.67 million project, which is part of the Governor's Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative, will repair damage from flooding in 2017 and 2019, and raise the boat launch, docks and parking lot so they can continue to operate during times of high water.

"As the effects of global climate change become more and more prevalent here at home, it's essential that we invest in resilient communities near Lake Ontario and throughout the state," Governor Cuomo said. "This project will bolster Irondequoit's ability to withstand increasingly frequent high waters, helping New York's first responders during emergencies on the lake and incentivizing recreational boaters who make critical contributions to the regional economy."

"Waterfront communities along Lake Ontario have faced tremendous challenges in recent years, but New York State is leading the way to help them build back better, smarter and more resilient," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Irondequoit Bay is a prime location for recreational boating in the Greater Rochester area and today's groundbreaking at Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park will safeguard against the threat of rising waters and ensure that it remains a place of enjoyment for future generations."

In addition to elevating the parking area and boat launch, the project will consist of additional transient docks, a playground, an American with Disabilities Act-accessible fishing pier, and a recreational pavilion.

The Town of Irondequoit is also breaking ground on a nearby project to improve storm drainage sewers along Culver Road, which is the gateway to the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park and several key businesses. This $500,000 investment is designed to mitigate flooding in the roadway and reduce the potential for a road closure during high water events, which is essential to keep open for emergency services and access to local establishments in the area.

This project will help mitigate the devastating impacts of flooding by modifying the existing storm drains along Culver Road, installing new check valves and creating permanent connections for temporary water pumps, as necessary. In addition to these measures, the project aims to direct floodwaters away from homes in the area to prevent flooding of residential households.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "Thanks to Governor Cuomo and REDI, the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park is going to emerge better able to withstand future bouts of high waters on the lake in the years to come."

DEC Commissioner and REDI Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, "DEC has been working closely with communities along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River since day one, helping to protect homes, businesses, and critical municipal assets like parks, water infrastructure, and roads from damages caused by record high water in 2019. The project announced today will improve the resiliency of the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park for generations to come and is a testament to New York's continued commitment to building our shoreline communities back better and stronger."

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Through our work as part of Governor Cuomo's REDI Commission, New York State DOT is ensuring the safety of residents and businesses along the southern shores of Lake Ontario, one community at a time, while also increasing resiliency and building back better with every project. This project to improve storm drainage will help mitigate future flooding and promote sustainability so that the Town of Irondequoit, with its beaches, marinas and breathtaking views, continues to be a wonderful summer destination for thousands to enjoy, every year."

REDI Co-Chair and Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, "The beauty and bounty of Lake Ontario attracts visitors from across the globe, while its surrounding communities rely on the economic support generated by fishing and tourism. By restoring and rebuilding places like the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park to withstand future flooding events, we are helping shoreline communities that depend on the Lake build back stronger and smarter than ever before."

Irondequoit Bay is about five miles northeast of Rochester and empties into Lake Ontario. The 44-acre Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park is on the northwest shoreline adjacent to Culver Road and Sea Breeze Drive. During the last decade, there have been more than 400,000 visitors to the park, which is operated and maintained by the town of Irondequoit.

Governor Cuomo launched the REDI program in May 2019 year after record-setting high waters hit Lake Ontario in 2017 and 2019, causing significant damage along shoreline infrastructure. Through REDI, the State has committed up to $300 million to rebuild the shoreline, as well as improve resiliency in flood-prone regions along the lake with projects identified by REDI Commission Regional Planning Committees.

Congressman Joe Morelle said, "Our community knows all too well how damaging and life-altering flooding can be for homeowners and businesses along the lakeshore. We know that we must take substantive steps to prepare for the future, which is why today we are breaking ground on a proactive plan to repair the damage and mitigate the impact of future disasters. I am grateful to Governor Cuomo for his leadership under the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative and commitment to keeping our shoreline community strong for decades to come."

Senator Rich Funke said, "I've personally witnessed the devastating impact of flooding around the Irondequoit Bay State Marine park, and I am grateful to the REDI Commission for addressing it. The improvements being made will not only repair damage to the parking area but also address the impacts of rising water levels in the future."

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, "As a lifelong Irondequoit resident, I saw firsthand the impact that the flooding events of 2017 and 2019 had on our shoreline residents, businesses and first responders. This investment will greatly improve access to Irondequoit Bay and Lake Ontario, which play an important role in our local economy and our entire community. I join my partners in government in thanking Governor Cuomo and the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative for his commitment to restoring and improving Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park and for listening to the needs of our residents, businesses and first responders."

Monroe County Legislature Chairman Joseph Carbone said, "Our community is grateful for the enhancements that are being made through the REDI program at Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park. In recent years, our shoreline has been adversely impacted by high water levels in Lake Ontario. The rebuilding of infrastructure to ensure continued usage throughout the year, as well as the Park's new recreational features, will serve residents and visitors to the Town of Irondequoit."

Irondequoit Town Supervisor David Seeley said, "Like its history, Irondequoit's future will be defined by our natural landscape and our ability to develop this unique asset for the benefit of our residents, our businesses, and our entire community. I'd like to thank Governor Cuomo, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Congressman Morelle and our state delegation for recognizing the transformative potential of this project to integrate infrastructure, commercial development and recreation opportunities. This strategic investment of $2.67 million will pay dividends for years to come, and I look forward to our continued partnership to improve the lives of every family who calls Irondequoit home."

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails and boat launches, which were visited by a record 77 million people in 2019. A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook (https://ecowa.exec.ny.gov/owa/redir.aspx?REF=E3H5yLFQQBBKpC17B8jJQYDiPoffHszRYMMMU1114uVyWl1QUy7YCAFodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vbnlzdGF0ZXBhcmtz#_blank), or follow us on Twitter https://ecowa.exec.ny.gov/owa/redir.aspx?REF=qkuA_eRkW1-4YadEKs8t9p9q8vSvhwF2O_EuUvPzN4NyWl1QUy7YCAFodHRwczovL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL05Zc3RhdGVwYXJrcw..#_blank. The free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. To download, visit: Google Play Store, NY State Parks Explorer App (https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=0a5f7147-56794979-0a5d8872-000babda0031-9fba5a2ab5973bb4&q=1&e=13fa1c04-537a-4368-a5fd-ae400a08a1dc&u=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dgov.ny.its.nysparks#_blank) or Apple Store, NY State Parks Explorer App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ny-state-parks-explorer/id1496803341#_blank.