On Monday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $2 million in NY Works funding will be provided to inspect, analyze and design dams across New York State to ensure they meet safety standards and protect residents, homes and property from storms and floods. The funding includes $1 million for inspections of 50 state-owned dams and $1 million for specific projects at four dams located in Franklin, Essex and Chenango Counties. “For these communities, dams are a first line of defense against extreme weather, and we must ensure that they have the strength and resiliency to control water levels, prevent damage and protect the public from flooding,” Governor Cuomo said. “Under our NY Works program, we continue to make smart investments in our infrastructure, and these upgrades and inspections will ensure these dams meet all design and safety standards.” The inspections of the 50 State Department of Environmental Conservation-owned dams include screening for potential downstream hazards and verifying dam safety information in the State’s database. Contracts for the work have been awarded to CHA Consulting, Inc. of Albany and Paul C. Rizzo Associates of Tarrytown. The list of dams that will be inspected can be found here. In addition to the inspections, design, permitting and construction inspection and management will be performed at the following dams to ensure they meet State regulatory requirements:

• Oseetah Lake Dam (Lower Saranac Lake Lock), Franklin County
• Upper Saranac Lakes Lock Dam, Franklin County
• Horseshoe Pond Dam, Essex County
• Chenango 7 Wildlife Pond Dam, Chenango County

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said, “Through NY Works, Governor Cuomo is providing critical funding to help strengthen infrastructure in the state, including dams. The work being performed will ensure these dams are properly constructed and maintained, which is essential to protecting public safety.” Chairman of the Franklin County Board of Legislators Billy Jones said, “The Oseetah Lake Dam (Lower Locks) and Upper Saranac Lakes Lock Dam are important components of the local infrastructure that supports outdoor recreation in the region. We welcome this NY Works funding, which will be used to inspect and maintain these dams, ensuring that they are both safe, effective and will continue to provide recreational boating access to the chain of lakes in the region.” Chairman of the Essex County Board of Supervisors Randy Douglas said, “The Horseshoe Pond Dam dates back to the 1930s and we are pleased that the State is investing resources to ensure this dam is safe. The New York Works program is important to communities like ours and we thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing our needs and providing funding to reduce potential hazards and protect our residents and community. We look forward to continuing to work with the state on this project.”