New York State Canal Corporation & State Officials Announce Successful Completion of Utica Harbor Dredging

New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello was joined today by state and local officials to announce the completion of dredging at the Utica Harbor.

The project began in early August, when Mantello, Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito and Utica Mayor David Roefaro gathered for a ceremonial re-opening of the Utica Harbor Lock, which allowed navigational dredging to occur for the first time in 30 years.

Since it was last dredged in 1980, the accumulation of significant amounts of silt prevented many parts of the Utica Harbor from being used for navigation.

The dredging by the Canal Corporation, along with other ongoing remedial activities at Harbor Point conducted by National Grid, will allow use of the harbor for future recreational, tourism and economic development opportunities.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "Once again the Utica Harbor can be employed to help revitalize the local economy. I commend all those involved with this dredging and restoration project. By having multiple levels of government and private corporations work together, we were able to achieve this impressive renovation and lay the foundation for Utica's long-term prosperity."

Congressman Michael A. Arcuri said, "With the dredging completed, we are one step closer to returning Utica Harbor to its former splendor. The best way to revitalize our local economy and encourage economic development is by rebuilding our aging transportation infrastructure across the board -- including our rail lines, highways and waterways. This project will not only create a number of jobs and give a much needed boost to the Utica Harbor but will also give local business more options for shipping goods reducing their fuel costs and congestion on the roads."

State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo said, "I'm here today to acknowledge the Canal Corporation's diligence, which has resulted in the timely completion of the sediment dredging in Utica Harbor. The harbor cleanup is vital to Utica's economic prosperity and to the canal system's environmental health. I commend Director Mantello and the hardworking men and women of the Canal Corporation. They've done good work."

Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito said, "The completion of the dredging work means the Utica Harbor can be utilized to its full potential. This beautiful waterfront area can now realize its full potential as a site for recreational activities and new businesses. I am confident that it will become one of the Utica area's primary assets for residents and visitors alike."

Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello said, "Today represents the successful conclusion of this phase of the Utica Harbor redevelopment project. This is not only a success for the Canal Corporation, but also for residents, businesses and families of the City of Utica and the Mohawk Valley region, who will directly benefit from a revitalized Harbor. We are now one step closer to turning into a reality the vision of a bustling harbor, with public and private amenities galore."

Judy Drabicki, regional director of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said, "The completion of the dredging is an important milestone in the overall, comprehensive cleanup plan for Utica Harbor," said DEC Regional Director Judy Drabicki. "This is just the latest Utica-area environmental project where the state has made significant, tangible progress over the last two years."

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. said, "The progress of this project represents a collaborative effort by local officials and the New York State Canal Corporation. By working toward a common goal of developing Harbor Point, it is our hope that soon it will become a focal point of economic development in the city of Utica."

Utica Mayor David R. Roefaro said, "Today's progress is a clear sign that even in the hardest of economic times, government works when leaders come together. The draft Master Plan delivered to the Common Council by me and hundreds of Uticans touts the Harbor as one of the city's greatest untapped resources. Today, this resource is a shining example of beating the odds, fulfilling a promise, and moving full speed ahead on a plan to utilize land long forgotten. As Utica's future unfolds, its economic forecast appears strong. The rapid success of Harbor Point's development will propel the City of Utica and make real other goals in the city's comprehensive Master Plan."

The dredging of the harbor was made possible by the rehabilitation earlier this year of the Utica Harbor Lock. This rehabilitation included major repairs to the lift gate structure, replacement of the lock's concrete counterweights and tower structure, as well as machinery repairs and alignment, rewiring, and guide wheel repairs.

Additional work at the site included: a new roof on lock house; painting of the lock house, new railings, resurfaced bull nose, arc lights, machinery cabinets and garage; drainage and landscaping; concrete repairs; new sidewalk construction, parking lot and driveway; and new a new holding tank for the sanitary system.

In August Canal Corporation staff began navigational dredging of the Harbor "neck," to make the area deep enough for additional Canal vessels to conduct remedial dredging over the past four months.

Now that dredging has been completed by the Canal Corporation, National Grid will continue remedial activities at Harbor Point. In the future, adjacent Canal Corporation parcels will be conveyed to a City of Utica local development corporation, in accordance with state legislation enacted in 2008.

Harbor Point comprises approximately 140 acres between the Utica Harbor and the Mohawk River. The area was developed for industrial purposes in the mid-1800s and was the site of two manufactured gas plants, a coal-fired steam plant, a petroleum storage and distribution facility (Mohawk Valley Oil) and a tar products plant (New York Tar Emulsion Products). Currently Harbor Point is occupied by a gas regulator station, electric substation, and an automotive repair business. It also is home to maintenance and office facilities for the Canal Corporation.

The environmental cleanup of the peninsula and the adjacent Utica Harbor and Mohawk River is being undertaken primarily by National Grid under an agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The New York Tar Emulsion Products Site has been remediated by Beazer East Inc. and Suit-Kote Corporation. National Grid and the Canal Corporation have an agreement for the remediation of Utica Harbor and certain adjacent dredged sediment disposal areas. The remediation of all of these sites is overseen by NYSDEC, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health.

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The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority. Canal operating and maintenance activities are supported by Thruway toll revenues.

For more information about vacation opportunities and events along the New York State Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.ny.gov. For information about boating safety and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com or call 518-474-0445.

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