Press Release
May 26, 2021
New York State Announces Completion of Resiliency Projects in Town of Irondequoit, Monroe County
"The effects of climate change have become more evident over the last few years, as seen during the unprecedented flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario in 2019," Governor Cuomo said. "Through New York State's partnership with shoreline communities, we are helping to prepare for all that Mother Nature has in store by not only rebuilding, but reimaging critical infrastructure. Resiliency projects like the two that have completed in Irondequoit exemplify the mission of the REDI program."
"New York State's continued investment in our shoreline communities is helping them to build back better, smarter and more resilient," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Irondequoit Bay Marine State Park has faced tremendous challenges in recent years due to flooding caused by climate change. The improvements made here will protect against future flooding, increase public accessibility and safety, and ensure it remains a place of enjoyment for future generations."
In addition to elevating the parking area and boat launch, new transient docks were added to the park, as well as a playground, a canoe/kayak launch, an American with Disabilities Act accessible fishing pier and sidewalks along Culver Road, further increasing accessibility to the Park. A recreational pavilion will be constructed for public use later this year.
The Town of Irondequoit has also completed work on a nearby project which made improvements to the storm drainage system along Culver Road, which is the gateway to the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park and several key businesses. The Culver Road project was awarded $500,000 by the REDI Commission to build resiliency by mitigating flooding of the roadway to reduce the potential for road closure during high water events and maintain access for emergency services and to local establishments in the area.
Resiliency measures implemented will mitigate future flooding impacts to area homes and businesses through modifications to the existing storm sewer system drains along Culver Road including, the installation of new check valves and the creation of pump station with an emergency backup generator for uninterrupted service.
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.
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "This project reflects Governor Cuomo's larger commitment to mitigate the effects of ongoing man-made climate change through enhanced resilient infrastructure, in addition to reducing the state's greenhouse gas emissions. This launch is now better defended against future episodes of high water on Lake Ontario that are bound to come and remain a key part of the regional recreation economy."
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and REDI Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, "All along the shores of Lake Ontario, New York's Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative is making significant investments to protect communities like the town of Irondequoit from high water events and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Today's announcement is further proof that through these strategic investments, New York is reimagining our infrastructure and rebuilding community assets, enhancing public safety, improving access to natural resources, and safeguarding our shared environment."
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "With unwavering support from Governor Cuomo, New York State is helping the Town of Irondequoit and other shoreline communities build back an infrastructure capable of meeting the challenges of global climate change head on. The completed work in Irondequoit will help the Town prevent future flooding, increase road access for emergency services, and even enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. One project at a time, we are building back a better, more resilient infrastructure that will help shoreline communities better adapt to rising waters."
REDI Co-Chair and Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, "When Lake Ontario shoreline communities asked for help in finding solutions to the damage caused by rising waters and frequent flooding, Governor Cuomo and the REDI Commission delivered. The completion of the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park project is an example of how New York State responded, by building back better to safeguard against future flooding threats. The new dock and launch area will also attract even more boaters and visitors to this beautiful region, just in time to add an economic boost for the busy summer season."
New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, "Thanks to Governor Cuomo's REDI initiative, we are helping Lake Ontario communities revitalize their waterfronts and strengthen resiliency against future flooding events as well as climate change. The improvements made at Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park create a safer and more flood resilient condition, introduce new amenities and water dependent recreational opportunities, and enhance accessibility to the park's resources for residents and visitors alike. As New Yorkers are preparing to enjoy the summer season, we welcome and encourage them to enjoy this tremendous public resource."
New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "The completion of these projects comes at a pivotal time, and will not only provide a boost to this region's tourism in time for the boating season, but these enhancements will improve accessibility for all members of the community. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his continued support of these REDI projects as they are a game changer for our shoreline regions."
Congressman Joe Morelle said, "Our community knows all too well how devastating the impacts of flooding can be, which is why we took action with this critical investment to mitigate the impact of future disasters. Not only does this project help bolster our lakeshore infrastructure, it also enhances recreational opportunities for residents and strengthens our regional economy. I'm excited to celebrate the completion of this project and am grateful to the Governor for his commitment to ensuring the resiliency of our community."
State Senator Samra Brouk said, "As a State Senator, I am committed to investing in projects that make improvements to our aging infrastructure and address ongoing flooding and shoreline erosion that put homeowners and business owners at risk. Projects that update sewer systems, bridges, roads, boat launches are important investments in the quality of life in the 55th Senate District, and that's why I'm proud to help celebrate the completion of the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park and Culver Road Storm Sewers projects."
Assemblywoman Sarah Clark said, "One of the most amazing features here in Irondequoit is the proximity to various waterways, from Lake Ontario, to Irondequoit Bay and the Genesee River. We know this comes with a responsibility to improve infrastructure along the shoreline to better protect residents and businesses from high water levels and storm surges, while also allowing more access to the water for everyone to enjoy. That is why the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park and the Culver Road Storm Sewer projects are so important. The state's investment helped shore up critical infrastructure where needed, while also creating more opportunities for the community to enjoy boating and recreational activities including expansion around the public boat launch. Today is an exciting day, a huge thanks to REDI and everyone who made these improvements possible."
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, "As a lifelong Irondequoit resident and former town supervisor, I personally witnessed firsthand the devastation flooding did to our shoreline residents, businesses and first responders. Not only will this over $3 million investment in our community improve access to Irondequoit Bay and Lake Ontario, but also revitalize the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park. I would like to thank our partners in government for ensuring that we return from disasters stronger, and better."
Irondequoit Town Supervisor David Seeley said, "The redevelopment of the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park recognizes the potential that this site has always possessed, but never been realized. This project is exactly what the REDI Commission intended to accomplish. Not only have we made our public waterfront infrastructure more resilient to high waters. Working with the Governor's Office and our State partners, we have completely enhanced the experience of visiting this beautiful amenity."
In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, Governor Cuomo created REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Five REDI Regional Planning Committees, comprised of representatives from eight counties (Niagara and Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Oswego, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence) were established to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns. The REDI Commission allocated $20 million for homeowner assistance, $30 million to improve the resiliency of businesses, and $15 million toward a regional dredging effort that will benefit each of the eight counties in the REDI regions. The remaining $235 million has been allocated towards local and regional projects that advance and exemplify the REDI mission.
At Governor Cuomo's direction, the REDI commission toured areas hard hit by flooding on Lake Ontario and worked with local communities to come up with a new vision for the shoreline from both a resiliency and economic development point of view in order to build back better and stronger for the future.
Since the creation of the Governor's REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 133 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 100 projects in the design phase, 19 projects in the construction phase, and 16 projects completed.
For additional information, project profiles and REDI news, click here.