Dredging at Irondequoit Bay Navigation Channel Continues

Project Sites 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 Salmon River/Port Ontario Navigation Channel in Oswego 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, safeguarding recreational access and ensuring these waterways continue generating economic activity that is critical for shoreline communities. 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.

The Salmon River/Port Ontario project, which includes the river channel between the north and south breakwaters, will remove approximately 3,600 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. 

Sediment removed from the waterway will be placed downdrift of the channel’s breakwater. This strategic placement will support natural beach nourishment and revitalization north of the river. 

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, “In an area renowned for its recreational boating and fishing, the dredging of the Salmon River/Port Ontario Navigation Channel under Governor Cuomo’s REDI Regional Dredging Project will help support the tourism activities that are vital to this region’s economy. The dredging will make it easier and safer for boaters to take advantage of all this area has to offer, including marinas, a lighthouse, restaurants, shops, and the spectacular Selkirk Shore State Park.” 

Dredging at Irondequoit Bay Navigation Channel in Monroe County, also part of the REDI Regional Dredging Program, began work in July and is ongoing. The project will remove approximately 10,800 cubic yards of sediment from the navigation channel. The Irondequoit Bay project is anticipated to complete work later this month.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Department of Transportation, in cooperation with our state and local REDI partners, is pleased to support this dredging work along the Lake Ontario shoreline that will not only enhance recreational opportunities, but spur economic activity for local businesses.  Since the inception of the REDI Commission, we have undertaken numerous projects in and around Oswego that are helping to sustain the local economy and protect the shoreline.  This project will help safeguard access to areas along the Salmon River/Port Ontario Navigation Channel - investing in a better future for communities along the shoreline.”

State Senator Patty Ritchie said, “In the wake of historic flooding, it is critical that we continue efforts to build back and safeguard against future high water. Dredging at the Salmon River/Port Ontario Navigation Channel will better protect our shoreline communities, enhance safety for those taking part in recreational activities and ensure the waterways continue to serve as economic catalysts for the region.” 

Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay said, “It is always welcome news when improvements and upgrades are made to our region’s waterways, which are a vital part of the local economy. The Salmon River/Port Ontario dredging project will ensure the continuation of safe passage for recreational watercraft in the area. I look forward to this project’s completion so everyone – locals and visitors alike – can enjoy the natural beauty Lake Ontario has to offer.” 

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. 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.