The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District has begun work to the Oswego Harbor Detached Breakwater to repair the $19 million worth of damages caused by Superstorm Sandy, October 2012.
Repair work to the 850 linear feet of breakwater is being completed by Durocher Marine Division / Kokosing Construction Company and includes the placement of armor stone as well as 1,000 precast 16-ton dolos that is scheduled to begin Friday, May 15, 2015.
"The Oswego Harbor Detached Breakwater experienced extensive damage during Sandy because of the oversized waves and the extreme angle they were hitting the structure,” said Captain Kelly Polashenski, USACE project manager. “Because the damage was caused by Sandy, the breakwater was eligible of funding to repair the structure using Superstorm Sandy appropriations.”
"We fought hard to pass the $63 billion Sandy Relief bill to pay for projects just like the repair of the breakwater at the Oswego Port, which was severely damaged in the storm,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “I commend the Army Corps for recognizing the critical role that the breakwater plays in protecting the Oswego Harbor, and for pushing this project forward. Oswego Harbor plays a key role in the local economy, and repairing this critical breakwater will lead to continued commercial and recreational activity and growth. Repairing the breakwater will not only clear the way for commerce, it will also clear the way for increased job creation and economic development. Doing this will ensure that the Oswego area continues to reap the benefits of this harbor for years to come."
“The Oswego Harbor is a vital economic anchor for Central New York,” said Senator Kristen Gillibrand. “Superstorm Sandy devastated our communities and I’m pleased the Army Corps of Engineers will begin to repair the damages caused by the storm and restore the detached breakwater.”
"To strengthen our economy in Oswego and across the Central New York region, we need to provide an attractive location for investment. That starts with the Port of Oswego," said U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24). "The repair of the breakwater is a crucial first step in improving access to the Port, and I'm proud to work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on this extensive project to attract and retain new economic growth in Central New York."
"This project allows Oswego Harbor to bounce back from historic storm damage in a way that makes it more resilient when faced with future extreme wave action,” said LTC Karl Jansen, USACE Buffalo District Commander. “I'm grateful for the resources, leadership, partnering, and technical expertise that came together with a sense of urgency to prepare these vital repairs. Resilient infrastructure unlocks the potential for economic vitality and assures our National Security."
Armor stone material started to arrive by rail early this week from the Jamesville Quarry, NY and the Rock of Ages Quarry, VT. The 16-ton dolos were formed and poured by Lakeland Concrete Products, Lima, NY and will start arriving onsite around June 15th. Work on the Oswego Detached Breakwater is scheduled to be completed by November 2016.