Department Of Transportation Announces Completion Of $2.1 Million Resiliency Project In St. Lawrence County

Contact: Michael Flick, (315) 785-2218
Release Date: October 04, 2022

Department Of Transportation Announces Completion Of $2.1 Million Resiliency Project In St. Lawrence County

New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that construction is complete on a $2.1 million project to remove the Northumberland Street Bridge in the town of Morristown, St. Lawrence County. The project, which was undertaken by St. Lawrence County as part of the State's Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), will enhance safety for boaters traversing Morristown Bay on the eastern side of the St. Lawrence River and increase opportunities for recreation and economic development in the region. It will also help protect the community's supply of drinking water and prevent sewage discharges.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "The Department of Transportation continues to support multiple projects across the North Country that increase resiliency and protect the region's infrastructure from rising waters in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The removal of this structure, which has been closed for a few years now, will not only enhance opportunities for economic activity but further protect the water supply that residents depend on every day for their health and livelihood."

The Northumberland Street Bridge was owned and maintained by St. Lawrence County. The bridge was damaged by flooding and has been closed since 2019. As part of the project, the county removed the bridge structure and removed the fill within the causeway to improve its hydrologic connection. In addition, both the Town-owned watermain and the sanitary sewer were relocated to run under the bay. Removal of the bridge eliminated the need for the County to maintain the structure and pay for additional repair or replacement costs, which would be considerable.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner and REDI Commission Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, "Project after project, the State's REDI program is highlighting the great work that can be accomplished when the State and local government collaborate. Removal of the deteriorating Northumberland Street Bridge and relocation of the watermain and sanitary sewer will not only help safeguard the health and safety of boaters, residents, and visitors to Morristown but benefit also the aquatic habitat within the bay. DEC is proud to have worked with DOT and St. Lawrence County to accomplish this important resiliency project."

NYPA Interim President and CEO and St. Lawrence County REDI Commissioner Justin E. Driscoll said, "It has been a tremendous benefit for communities along the St. Lawrence River to have the funding for projects like this Northumberland Street Bridge removal project in Morristown, which enhance public safety and recreation opportunities in the North Country. The REDI program's investments have resulted in a more resilient shoreline that will continue to promote tourism and economic development and enhance the environment for many years to come."

Senator Patty Ritchie said, "The record flooding of 2019 wreaked havoc on infrastructure throughout our region-including the Northumberland Street Bridge. But fast forward several years later and thanks to investments from the state's REDI program, the bridge has now been replaced with a project that will enhance safety for boaters, increase opportunities for recreation and help protect the community's supply of drinking water. I am pleased to see this effort come to completion and look forward to seeing how it enhances quality of life for residents and visitors alike."

St. Lawrence County Legislative Chairman Bill Sheridan said, "Thank you to Governor Hochul, the REDI Commission, and the REDI Team for the continued support and guidance needed to assist the County as we navigated the now complete Northumberland Street Bridge project. As with this resiliency project, these critical partnerships are important in ensuring shoreline communities are prepared for future storm and flooding events."

Town of Morristown Supervisor Frank Putman said, "Morristown is pleased to have the bridge and causeway removed that has addressed two situations at the bay. The safety issue is no longer a concern, and the choking of the water flow has been resolved. We look forward to this being early steps of many to come, that can renew the former village as a destination for tourist and future residents."

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. Through REDI, the State has committed up to $300 million, to benefit communities and improve resiliency in flood prone regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Since the creation of the State's REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 134 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 51 projects in the design phase, 39 projects in the construction phase, and 44 projects completed.

For additional information, project profiles and REDI news, click here.

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