Construction has begun on a $16.4 million project to rehabilitate the Old Forge and Sixth Lake Dams in the western Adirondacks, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The work aims to improve water regulation and enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of both structures, which are important for local communities and ecosystems.
“This important project delivers on our commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure, and will help safeguard downstream communities from potential flooding while enhancing our natural resources,” Governor Hochul said. “The generational investment that the State is making in both of these century-old dams that regulate the Fulton Chain of Lakes will ensure they can remain treasured resources for the Western Adirondacks well into the next century.”
Funding for this rehabilitation was allocated in New York’s FY 2023-2024 State Budget. Construction is expected to continue through 2027. Planned upgrades include replacing spillways with new labyrinth designs to increase capacity, building new gate enclosure structures that retain existing architectural styles, replacing water control gates, reconstructing concrete aprons downstream, installing emergency generators, improving embankments, and adding community enhancements.
Mark Finkle, Chair of the Hudson River – Black River Regulating District Board, said: “The Board is grateful to Governor Hochul and the Legislature for this much-needed investment, which will ensure that residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the Fulton Chain of Lakes safely and reliably for generations to come.”
John Callaghan, Executive Director of the Hudson River – Black River Regulating District added: “We are excited to be advancing this work to bring these structures into full compliance with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation dam safety standards, while also incorporating access and recreation enhancements for residents in, and visitors to, Old Forge and Inlet. We thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to critical infrastructure in the Adirondacks for future generations.”
Efforts are being made during construction to minimize disruption for area residents. Temporary coffer dams at each site will allow half of each new spillway to be built annually without draining or reducing lake water levels.
At Sixth Lake Dam specifically, construction scheduling will preserve parking access for seasonal residents during summer months. Improvements will also be made at an existing bulkhead and dock used by camp-goers.
For Old Forge Dam projects incorporate elements from Town of Webb’s Waterfront Revitalization Plan—such as improved public access points as well as lighting and docking facilities. Both sites will see new hand launch areas installed for paddlers using local waterways or traveling along portions of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail—a 740-mile route stretching from Old Forge in New York through Maine.
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), stated: “New York State’s stringent requirements help dams remain in good condition and are a vital part of protecting lives, property, and the environment at the local level. DEC applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature for this $16.4 million investment in the western Adirondacks and looks forward to continuing to work with the HRBRRD to rehabilitate the Old Forge and Sixth Lake dams to enhance these important structures.”
Fulton Chain of Lakes Association President Mark Steigerwald commented: “The Fulton Chain of Lakes Association is glad to see the comprehensive reconstruction of the Old Forge and Sixth Lake Dams moving forward. The reliability of these structures is essential to the many benefits our members enjoy on these magnificent bodies of water year after year. We are grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, the Regulating District, and DEC for moving this project forward so that Fulton Chain can flourish for another century.”
Ken Streb from Sixth & Seventh Lake Improvement Association said: “We welcome this important investment which will ensure use & enjoyment…while improving levels safety & water regulation…appreciate emphasis placed ensuring project completed minimal disruption area residents maintaining normal water levels.”
Karrie Thomas from Northern Forest Canoe Trail added: “The boat launch at Old Forge has been start paddlers’ epic journey tracing historic travel routes…These waters have been important navigation sustenance recreation long as people paddled canoes…appreciate care consideration provided by Hudson River–Black River Regulating District ensure safe access throughout project thoughtful planning improve access future use.”
Town officials echoed support; Tom Greco (Webb Supervisor) called it an “important investment” supporting waterfronts & local economy; John Frey (Inlet Supervisor) looked forward seeing improvements brought up current dam safety standards.
