Posted on October 18, 2022
Today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of repairs to the 1,025 foot, 114 year-old Rochester East Pier. In attendance were Lt. Col. Colby Krug, Commander USACE Buffalo District, John Pellito representing Congressman Joe Morelle, Chief Matthew Riesberg, Officer in Charge U.S. Coast Guard Station Rochester.
Rochester East Pier repairs will ensure the pier, along with its adjacent federal navigation channel, continue to provide safe passage and refuge for commercial and recreational vessels between the Genesee River, Lake Ontario and the rest of the Great Lakes. The pier is also essential to providing safe navigation in Rochester Harbor – ensuring its economic vitality. As part of the project, solar marine lights were installed on the lake side of the pier, increasing safety and visibility for navigation.
The Port of Rochester is a vital economic and recreational asset that produces millions in annual economic impact and supports hundreds of jobs, over 1,000 boat slips, dozens of charter boats, top-notch fishing, and much more. Rochester harbor waterborne transportation supports $4.3 million in business revenue, 20 jobs, and $1.4 million in labor income to the transportation sector.
“One of our community’s greatest assets is its location along the Great Lakes,” said Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25). “These repairs to the Rochester Harbor are critical to ensuring the safety of our waterways and maximizing the full commercial, recreational, and economic potential of our lakefront. I am grateful to the Army Corps for their partnership and dedication to improving our waterborne transportation infrastructure.”
“Maintaining harbors like Rochester ensures the Great Lakes Navigation System continues to bolster the nation’s economic strength and quality of life,” said Lt. Col. Colby Krug, Commander of the Buffalo District. “The Buffalo District is also excited to add to the pier work we completed in 2021 making sure the full length of the structure remains an asset for the people of Rochester and the state of New York. The contractor, Great Lakes Dock and Materials, LLC, completed the pier repairs 2 months ahead of schedule and under budget. Finishing quality projects on time and within budget is our definition of success!”
