New York finishes $1.3M shoreline stabilization project at historic site
New York officials recently announced the completion of shoreline stabilization efforts and trail improvements as part of a $1.3 million resiliency project awarded to the Fort de la Presentation Association in St. Lawrence County.
Located on a peninsula on the St. Lawrence River at the intersection of the Oswegatchie River, the site has experienced extensive erosion and flooding. The Fort de La Presentation site, located in the city of Ogdensburg, was once used by American, Canadian, Native American, French and British people for worship, trade, and protection during wartime. The site is now used for military reenactments commemorating the Battle of Ogdensburg during the War of 1812 and community recreation.
Supported by the state’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) investments, the Association rebuilt flood-damaged shorelines and trails with more resilient designs to mitigate future damage and provide enhanced wildlife habitat while maintaining the site's historic and aesthetic value. Additional shoreline and trail work will continue in the spring.
To protect the Fort de La Presentation site from future high-water events, the project included:
- Stabilizing the Oswegatchie River shoreline using riprap with live stake plantings and toe wood / toe rock installations
- Stabilizing the St. Lawrence River shoreline with rock sill stabilization with soil lifts, natural stone slab steps for access to the river, and native plantings along the shoreline
- Raising a portion of the Abbe Piquet Trail above flood elevation and building a new resilient overlook deck platform on the St. Lawrence River shoreline to improve visitor access.
"Like so many communities along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the city of Ogdensburg is no stranger to devastating flooding and that's why New York State's REDI effort is leading the way with historic investments to help communities build back better, smarter, and more resilient," Governor Hochul said. "The Fort de la Presentation project in the city of Ogdensburg will help mitigate flooding and combat erosion, helping to maintain this historic gem for future generations while enhancing local wildlife habitat."
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and REDI Commission Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, "New York State's REDI investments are providing flood-prone shoreline communities like the city of Ogdensburg with the expertise and resources necessary to build back better after severe storms and high water driven by our changing climate. Stabilizing the shoreline and improving the trails at the Fort de La Presentation site will protect this historic treasure from future flooding and ensure it continues to attract future generations of visitors."
In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, New York State established 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.
Since the creation of the State's REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 134 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 85 projects in the design phase, 21 projects in the construction phase, and 28 projects completed.
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