OGDENSBURG — A state-funded shoreline stabilization and trail project at Fort de la Presentation is now complete, a press release from the governor’s office announced Friday, Oct. 22.

Located on a peninsula on the St. Lawrence River at the intersection of the Oswegatchie River, the Fort de La Presentation site has experienced extensive erosion and flooding.

The projected was funded by a $1.3 million from the state’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative awarded to the Fort de la Presentation Association.

The Association used the cash rebuilt flood-damaged shorelines and trails with more resilient designs to mitigate future damage and provide enhanced wildlife habitat while maintaining the site's historic and aesthetic value. Additional shoreline and trail work will continue in the Spring.

"Like so many communities along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the city of Ogdensburg is no stranger to devastating flooding and that's why New York State's REDI effort is leading the way with historic investments to help communities build back better, smarter, and more resilient," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "The Fort de la Presentation project in the city of Ogdensburg will help mitigate flooding and combat erosion, helping to maintain this historic gem for future generations while enhancing local wildlife habitat."

To protect the Fort de La Presentation site from future high-water events, the project included:

• Stabilizing the Oswegatchie River shoreline using riprap with live stake plantings and toe wood / toe rock installations;

• Stabilizing the St. Lawrence River shoreline with rock sill stabilization with soil lifts, natural stone slab steps for access to the river, and native plantings along the shoreline; and

• Raising a portion of the Abbe Piquet Trail above flood elevation and building a new resilient overlook deck platform on the St. Lawrence River shoreline to improve visitor access.

"Thanks to the support of Governor Hochul, the partnership with New York State and through the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative, the Fort Association was able to take the needed measures to stabilize the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie River shorelines and repair and enhance the Abbé Picquet Trail, ensuring that Fort de la Presentation remain accessible to the community and tourists, as well as protect the National Register of Historic Places for future generations,” Fort de la Presentation Association President Barbara O'Keefe said. “With support from the REDI Team, and with the guidance of NYS OPRHP, we were able to complete this project ahead of schedule, and we are excited to share the site upgrades with the public."

"St. Lawrence County is thankful that Governor Hochul is assisting the County's shoreline communities with an impressive effort to build back better,” St. Lawrence County Chairman William Sheridan said. “Through these infrastructure investments, New York State is helping to ensure that the region's tourist industry remains intact. The Fort de la Presentation historic site is a treasure among community members and a favorite destination for visitors from across the state and Canada, and we are pleased to see this important project complete."

"Fort de La Presentation is an important part of our history, which makes it critical to both preserve and protect it,” Senator Patty Ritchie said. “In recent years, we've seen the toll record high water has taken on the Fort's property. Through this project, we are ensuring it will be more resilient if faced with future flooding and in addition, are making enhancements that will allow people to better enjoy this important historical site for generations to come."

"I am pleased to see the continued investment in protecting the shoreline of the Front Yard of America - particularly at the City of Ogdensburg's Fort de La Presentation Interpretive Trail,” Assemblyman Mark Walczyk said. “The Maple City's rich history converges with its natural beauty at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie rivers at this unique park where visitors and locals alike can enjoy walking, learning, picnicking, and taking in the scenic views. It is important to strengthen the shoreline to preserve the park and I am appreciative of PARKS oversight on seeing this project to its completion."