Newfane work complete, Olcott dredging in November

New York Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday announced the completion of a $14 million resiliency project awarded to the town of Newfane, Niagara County.

Olcott Harbor is an important recreational harbor located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The harbor area includes the Town of Newfane Marina, Olcott Yacht Club, Hedley Boat Company, McDonough Marine, and several private homes.

In 2017 and 2019, the harbor entrance was overwhelmed by flooding, wind-driven waves, and sediment deposition in the navigation channel. High water levels, wave agitation, and new sediment deposits prevented safe refuge and navigation by large and small recreational watercraft.

“Climate change is a reality we cannot afford to ignore and New York is tackling the challenge head-on. As part of those efforts, we are working to rebuild, reimagine and protect the shoreline communities that were devastated by the high waters of 2019,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.

Governor Hochul also announced that dredging of the Olcott Harbor will be undertaken in November, as part of the State’s $15 million REDI Regional Dredging Project.

The dredging, which will be undertaken upstream from the town of Newfane’s Breakwater project, will remove built-up sediment from the bottom of the waterway to allow for continued safe harbor and passage of watercraft.

The dredging fleet with consist of a GPS equipped hydraulic excavator from a barge, removing an estimated 1,600 cubic yards.

Removed sediment will be loaded into trucks for dewatering and temporary stockpiled at the marina. After dewatering, the sediment will be transported to a Town of Newfane owned facility for later use.