Project Site Selected as Part of Governor Cuomo's $15 Million Regional Dredging Initiative

NYS Office of General Services (OGS) today announced the start of dredging at Irondequoit Bay Navigation Channel in Monroe County as part of the State's $15 million REDI Regional Dredging Project, which removes built-up sediment from the bed of the waterway to allow for continued passage of watercraft. The dredging of up to 20 navigation channels along Lake Ontario's south shore and the St. Lawrence River is a significant aspect of the Governor's $300 million Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative.

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, “The Irondequoit Bay Navigation Channel is the eighth site under Governor Cuomo’s REDI Regional Dredging Project, where we are making it easier and safer for recreational boaters to access Lake Ontario, one of New York State’s greatest tourism destinations,” Commissioner Destito said. “The parks, boat launches, fishing access points, marinas, and other businesses surrounding the bay make it a vital part of the region’s economy.” 

The Irondequoit Bay project will remove approximately 10,800 cubic yards of sediment from the navigation channel. The dredging will be undertaken using a long reach excavator on a barge, supported by dump scows and a tugboat. 

New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, "Through the REDI initiative, we are helping Lake Ontario communities revitalize their waterfronts and solve local problems facing waterfront business and residents.  New York State agencies are working in partnership with communities like the Town of Irondequoit to implement measures like this dredging project, which will help remove sedimentation to improve overall navigability and access to waterfront resources for residents and visitors alike.”  

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “The REDI Initiative has been truly transformative for our shoreline communities in New York State, and Irondequoit Bay is one of those communities that has benefited tremendously from investments like this. These projects not only drive tourism and economic development in these regions, but more importantly, they improve the quality of life for all who live there.” 

State Senator Samra Brouk said, “The Irondequoit Bay is such a vital part of our region’s commerce and recreation. Ensuring that watercrafts of various sizes can access our region through the Bay is critical, and I look forward to the state’s continued investment in our local revitalization and development.” 

Assemblywoman Sarah Clark said, "Dredging at the Irondequoit Bay Navigation Channel will ensure Irondequoit Bay can continue to be a prime attraction here in our region. Improving the Bay for the passage of watercrafts will ensure boaters can enjoy this local gem to its fullest through the summer season and beyond. Thank you to the New York State REDI Commission for the continued investment in our waterways." 

Irondequoit Town Supervisor David Seeley said, “Irondequoit Bay is one of our region’s most precious natural assets, and this dredging project is very much welcome as we look to ensure that recreational boating can continue to thrive on our waterfront. Coupled with the investments we’ve made with State support to the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park, we are ensuring that our community can continue to utilize this beautiful resource.”

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 necessary 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 long-term operational, maintenance, and funding plans to maintain recreational navigation channels in the future.

To date, the State has completed seven REDI dredging projects and removed approximately 27,000 cubic yards of sediment to provide recreational boaters with safe access to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The completed dredging projects include Port Bay, Blind Sodus Bay, and East Bay in Wayne County, Sandy Pond Inlet in Oswego County, Little Sodus Bay in Cayuga County, Braddock Bay in Monroe County, and Golden Hill State Park in Niagara County.

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

Initial 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.