Schumer, Gillibrand and Katko: New Push for Little Sodus Bay Harbor

New York Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative John Katko are pushing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide funding for repairs to the West Pier and West Barrier Bar of Little Sodus Bay Harbor in the Village of Fair Haven.

Image source: USACE

Little Sodus Bay is a harbor that provides safe passage for recreational boats traveling between Little Sodus Bay and Lake Ontario.

Years of strong winds and flooding have severely deteriorated the harbor and its fixtures, and its pier and barrier bar are now collapsing.

With water levels on Lake Ontario reaching high water levels – 15 inches above the normal average for this time of the year – the harbor and surrounding communities stand in danger of severe flooding.

“With the West Pier and West Barrier Bar of Little Sodus Bay Harbor already in a state of disrepair and continuously deteriorating, and the Lake Ontario water levels only rising, families and property owners in the Village of Fair Haven are saddled with the serious risk of flooding and property damage and harming the local tourism economy,” said Senator Schumer. 

“That’s why I am urging the Army Corps of Engineers to direct any available funds towards repairing the West Pier and West Barrier Bar of Little Sodus Bay, to fend off the possibility of future flooding. I vow to do everything possible to push these crucial infrastructure projects across the finish line to shield the surrounding Little Sodus Bay communities from any preventable harm.

“As our community faces another year of high water levels along Lake Ontario, Little Sodus Bay is experiencing serious flooding and damage. Without repair, the harm to the shoreline and harbor will cause long-tem, costly challenges for the community, and inhibit tourism for years to come. That’s why it is critical that the Army Corps of Engineers prioritize funding repairs for Little Sodus Bay, and I join Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in asking for immediate attention to this issue,” added Rep. John Katko.

Little Sodus Bay Harbor in the Village of Fair Haven has long been a popular tourist destination for visitors from New York State and across the country. The harbor is a deep draft recreational harbor providing safe passage between Little Sodus Bay and Lake Ontario.