Letter to Lieutenant General Todd T. Semonite, Army Corps of Engineers - Provide Funding For Repairs To Little Sodus Bay Harbor In The Village Of Fair Haven

Letter

Dear Lieutenant General Semonite,

We write to request that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allocate Fiscal Year 2019 Operations & Maintenance funding to repair the West Pier and West Barrier Bar of Little Sodus Bay Harbor in New York State, which recently failed due to years of deterioration and above average water levels on Lake Ontario. The rapid deterioration of the West Pier and West Barrier Bar is a result of years of strong winds and flooding that have caused severe damage to the harbor and many of its fixtures. Without immediate repair, the surrounding towns and villages of Cayuga County could face devastating consequences to its residential communities, local economy, and strong tourism sector.

Located in the Village of Fair Haven, Little Sodus Bay Harbor is a deep draft recreational harbor providing safe passage between Little Sodus Bay and Lake Ontario. Nearly 150 properties worth over $30 million in property value border the bay's shore line, including residential and vacation homes, marinas, campgrounds, and other recreational facilities. The Village of Fair Haven has long been a popular tourist destination for visitors from New York State and across the country. This has created tremendous opportunity for the area's small business community, which now contributes to much of the Cayuga County and larger Central New York economy.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, water levels on Lake Ontario are up 6 inches from last month and 15 inches above the normal average for this time of year, raising the risk of flooding in the region. Without the protection of a strong, durable pier and barrier bar, this community and its many economic contributions to New York State may face troubling new realities. Should the channel close down in the event of another flood, which is likely due to rising Great Lakes water levels this year, property values will likely diminish, and local restaurants and shops could suffer significant loss of business--potentially creating both a residential and tourist "exodus" from the Village of Fair Haven and Cayuga County.

Consequently, the breakwall failures that currently exist in Little Sodus Bay Harbor's West Pier and West Barrier Bar require urgent resources and attention, especially with current above average water levels on Lake Ontario. It is our understanding that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains Operations and Maintenance funds which are typically reserved for projects concerning commercial shipping harbors. However, given the severity of the anticipated consequences of any further damage to Little Sodus Bay Harbor and surrounding properties, we respectfully ask that funding be allocated to repair this project in Fiscal Year 2019. We urge you to take this request seriously and help the Village of Fair Haven preserve the vitality of their community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely,

Source