BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA — Though a grand opening was held just last month, the St. Lawrence Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock is closed until further notice, officials say. 

According to a press release from Seaway officials, the visitor center is temporarily closed, effective June 7, for a safety assessment and necessary repairs. 

Officials say the facility sustained water damage to the building interior, which was caused by a severe storm that hit the North Country on June 6.

“Since reopening last month, the Seaway Visitor Center has been busy with families and children, tourists and residents alike, who are fascinated by the contemporary operations of the St. Lawrence Seaway and of Eisenhower Lock,” said Adam Tindall-Schlict, Administrator of the GLS. 

“I thank the amazing team of GLS employees in Massena for beautifully realizing the new Visitor Center and for aptly responding to yesterday’s storm,” he said. 

Though the facility is closed, seaway officials say it will only be temporary. 

First opening in 1961, just two years after the seaway officially opened, the visitor center has served as a major tourist attraction for the region, officials said. 

“Contract teams are already on-site at the Visitor Center and needed remediation efforts are already underway,” Visitor Center Director Amy Stark said. 

“We are undertaking every effort to reopen this fabulous tourism amenity to the public soon,” she said. 

Vessel traffic through the locks were unaffected by the storm and continue as normal. 

Viewing opportunities are still available via north overlook parking lot, officials said. 

The new visitor center was opened to much fanfare, with state and federal officials on hand for the grand unveiling. 

A ribbon cutting was held on Ma 13. 

In his address, Tindall-Schlicht praised the efforts of the many parties involved in bringing the vision of a new visitor center to life, from the federal officials that assisted, to the contractors who completed the work, to the staff who will operate the center and lead tours.

"The creation of this visitor center is a testament to the strong bipartisan support it has received since inception," he said.

In particular, Tindall-Schlicht praised Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and former US Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao for their bipartisan efforts to fast track the project.

First proposed in 2018 by Sen. Schumer, the visitor center saw officials on site in 2022 to break ground. Just two years, the public will be able to witness what it has to offer.

"The vision and the care and the investments made by the Biden-Harris administration are truly historic. The new visitor center at Eisenhower Locke and the future of shipping on the Great Lakes Seaway is secure because of once in a generation leadership that is exemplified by you, ma'am," Tindall-Schlicht said in reference to Trottenberg.

Exhibits honor both former Senator Alexander Wiley and former Congressman George Dondero for their efforts to bring the seaway to life.

Tindall-Schlicht said it was his hope, and that of GLS, that the new visitor center would "remain an important and welcoming space in which all voices and perspectives are heard and celebrated."

Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg was also on hand for the ribbon cutting, calling the event a “home run” for the North Country. 

Trottenberg praised the many parties involved while acknowledging the sacrifices made to not only create the seaway as we know it today but to also praise those whose efforts include revitalizing the visitor center.

Trottenberg, who was in attendance two years ago for the groundbreaking ceremony, said the facility was completed in "record time" and was a testament to what teamwork can achieve.

"I couldn't be more impressed. The visitor center is world class and you should be very proud. The many exhibits are very educational, but actually are also a lot of fun, with interactive exhibits for all ages," she said May 13.