Posted on December 4, 2018
A dredging project is underway to allow boats to dock in Syracuse’s Inner Harbor.
The New York State Canal Corporation has started dredging the area to allow more water from Onondaga Creek to make its way into the harbor on Onondaga Lake. Right now, the water in the harbor can be as low as two feet because of silt and sand making its way into the harbor from the creek . This project will allow eight feet of water into the harbor, which will be deep enough for recreational boats to dock there.
The $10.3 million project is expected to be done in time for the summer canal navigation season. The Inner Harbor is part of the state Canal System on the south end of Onondaga Lake.
In 2012, the New York State Thruway Authority, then the parent agency of the Canal Corporation, completed the transfer of 34 acres around the Inner Harbor to Syracuse for future development. A $350 million mixed-development community is planned and is expected to be fully built out over the next decade. Some components, including a hotel and apartments, are already open.
“Maintaining a navigable Inner Harbor is critical to continuing the redevelopment and growth of Syracuse’s Lakefront as a mixed-use neighborhood and entertainment destination,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “We thank the Canal Corporation for their continued investment in our city.”
“With dredging underway in the Inner Harbor, the economic activity and opportunity for the Inner Harbor neighborhood and surrounding area is limitless,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. “This investment by the Canal Corporation into its infrastructure is welcome news and we thank them for their commitment.”
The Canal Corporation will continue to maintain responsibility for the water in the Inner Harbor, which will need regular dredging to maintain an adequate depth.
Source: CNYCentral
