Navigation Channels Selected as Part of a Three Phase Dredging Program Included in $300 Million Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative

NYS Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy announced today work has begun at the final two dredging sites included in the State’s $15 million Regional Dredging Program as part of the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. Dredging has begun at Johnson Creek, a navigation channel in the town of Carlton, Orleans County, used to access Lake Ontario. The accumulation of silt, sand, and other debris can cause areas like Johnson Creek to become obstructed overtime. Dredging removes built-up sediment from the bottom of the waterway to allow for continued safe passage of small watercraft to support the tourism economy and preserve wildlife in the region. The Johnson Creek project will remove approximately 1,000 cubic yards of built-up sediment from the bottom of the waterway using mechanical dredging. Accumulated sand and gravel will be removed from the mouth of the outlet channel between Johnson Creek and Lake Ontario, to be transported and reused on the beach at Lake Ontario State Parkway.

Dredging has also begun in the city of Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County. The Ogdensburg City Channel project will remove approximately 600 cubic yards of sediment from the Ogdensburg Green Belt Boat Launch to improve recreational boating access.  Dredging will be undertaken using a GPS equipped excavator from a barge and loaded into scows. Material will then be transported to a former New York State Fish Hatchery to be dewatered and beneficially reused as general fill at the site.   

Office of General Services Acting Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “The successful completion of dredging at Carlton and Ogdensburg gets this phase of New York State’s REDI Regional Dredging Initiative across the finish line. Great things are accomplished when the State collaborates with its partners at the federal and local levels. The OGS team is proud to support the recreational boating and fishing activities that bring tourism dollars into communities all along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The reuse of dredged materials at Carlton, Ogdensburg, and several other REDI dredge sites is protecting and building resiliency in areas hit hardest by flooding and high-water levels.” 

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “The project will maintain regional boater access to Johnson Creek, an important gateway to the lake. This waterbody also runs through Lakeside State Park in Waterport, which draws about 100,000 visitors each year to the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario. Thanks to this REDI project and the commitment of Gov. Hochul, our Park will continue to be supported by proximity to a viable waterway for years to come.” 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and REDI Commission Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, "The Johnson Creek and Ogdensburg City dredging projects are critical components of New York State’s ongoing REDI investments along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, helping communities rebuild stronger, smarter, and more resilient. The State’s REDI team of experts is working tirelessly to advance dredging projects that improve harbor navigation channels and sustain local economic activity without compromising environmental protections. The start of dredging at these two locations is a critical milestone for REDI’s regional-wide dredging program." 

Senator Robert Ortt said, “I am thrilled to hear that dredging is about to commence at Johnson Creek.   Residents and tourists alike will mutually benefit from the project that helps with flood prevention and increases navigability.  I applaud the work done so far by residents, State and local officials and look forward to its completion.” 

Senator Patty Ritchie said, “One of the City of Ogdensburg’s greatest assets is its proximity to the St. Lawrence River, one of the most beautiful and unique bodies of water on the globe. This waterway offers endless economic and recreational benefits for Ogdensburg, and the entire North Country region. I am pleased this project complete and look forward to seeing how it improves accessibility and safety for those who use the channel and in turn, benefits our shoreline communities.” 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “This work will help make certain that Johnson Creek can continue to be enjoyed by local residents seeking to participate in sporting and recreational activities.  I am glad the work will soon be commencing at the site to ensure its continued safety and utility for boaters and fishermen.” 

Assemblyman Mark Walczyk said, “Continuing to invest in capital improvement projects in Ogdensburg with the REDI funding my colleagues and I helped to deliver is vital not only in terms of helping to protect the city and its businesses and residents from future flooding, but also in terms of restoring and revitalizing our economy. I am so pleased these funds are being used here in the Front Yard of America to realize true progress and much-needed infrastructure projects.” 

Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynn Johnson said, “We are pleased to see that all of our hard work advocating for a Regional Dredging Project is paying off. Dredging of Johnson Creek is critical for maintaining residential waterway access, recreational boating, and fishing activities. Lake Ontario and the adjoining creeks and harbors here in Orleans County are a vital resource that helps promote tourism, economic development, and recreational activities. All of which contributes to maintaining a strong economy for Orleans County. We are so grateful to Governor Hochul and the REDI Commission for their continued support.” 

Town of Carlton Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said, “Each of the REDI dredging projects that have been undertaken in the town of Carlton have been of great value to the community and it’s visitors. Keeping our waterways open and accessible is vital in promoting recreational boating and fishing, which in turn supports our local businesses. The tourism industry is important to our region, and Governor Hochul has shown once again that she understands this.”

The REDI Regional Dredging Project’s objective is to provide a comprehensive approach to the ongoing dredging needs for harbor navigation channels used primarily for recreational boating and refuge in the region. This project tackles the maintenance dredging of up to 20 harbor navigation channels through Phases I and II. During Phase III, the State will provide counties with the information they need to update, expand, and implement a Regional Dredging Management Plan for long-term channel operation, and maintenance of these recreational navigation channels in the future. 

To date, the State has completed work at 18 REDI dredge sites and removed approximately 69,000 cubic yards of sediment to provide recreational boaters with safe access to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Completed dredging projects include Port Bay, Blind Sodus Bay, East Bay, Bear Creek and Pultneyville in Wayne County, Sandy Pond Inlet and Salmon River/Port Ontario in Oswego County, Irondequoit Bay, Braddock Bay, Long Pond Outlet and Sandy Creek in Monroe County, Little Sodus Bay in Cayuga County, Golden Hill State Park and Olcott Harbor in Niagara County, Oak Orchard in Orleans County, Morristown Harbor in St. Lawrence County, and Henderson “The Cut” and Clayton French Creek Marina in Jefferson County.

 All dredging activities are dependent on favorable weather and water conditions.

Details about the Regional Dredging Project in Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wayne counties, as well as the regional benefit to all of these counties, is available here.