The project will strengthen the dock park in Putnam County from the high water level in the future

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that a disaster prevention project costing $1.85 million has begun construction for the Dockside Park in Cold Spring Village to help the community better withstand strong storms on the Hudson River and future floods.   

"We have seen how extreme weather caused by climate change can cause unimaginable destruction and damage to communities. That's why we must invest in projects that prevent floods and protect homes and businesses," Governor Hochul said. "Climate change is no longer a threat, but our reality. The future will increase the water level of the Hudson River. This project incorporates natural mitigation measures, which will make Dockside Park a more sustainable coastline. Better resist ocean currents, waves and ice, and encourage native species living along this important river. We will try our best to take such precautions." 

This 26-acre park is owned by the State Park and is part of the nearby Hudson Heights State Park, but is managed by Cold Spring Village. Various activities are held in the village every year, including fireworks, concerts, movies and children's activities. The park has been hit by floods before, including Hurricane Sandy in 2012. 

In order to stabilize and create a sustainable coastline, the Parks-DEC joint project includes removing existing ripraps, concrete slabs and debris from the coastline; grading the coastline and installing river bank stabilization facilities, including boulder revetments, toe treatment, and ice-breaking boulders And native vegetation. In addition, boat ramps for non-motorized boats, roof boats and other recreational facilities will be installed at the northern end of the park. Native wetlands and highland planting will provide better habitat and additional erosion reduction.   

The coastline is used by residents and migratory fish, as well as migratory birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. Small forage fish, such as killifish and catfish, as well as migratory young herrings and herrings, inhabit shallow vegetation on the coastline. 

Park Commissioner Kulleseid said: "The combination of rock and vegetation slopes is designed to stabilize the river bank during high water levels and storms. These slopes will also allow shallow water and intertidal areas, which are important habitats for the Hudson River, as the sea The plane rises and expands upward in the next few decades and beyond."   

DEC Commissioner Seggos said: "DEC is proud to be working with our partners in State Parks to improve the 750-foot Hudson River coastline in Dockside Park. Once completed, the park will become a part of the Hudson River Sustainable Coastline Project. A model, it demonstrates that Governor Hochul is committed to implementing ecological, recreational and floodplain improvement measures to improve the community’s ability to withstand severe storms and high water levels driven by climate change." 

Cold Spring Mayor Kathleen Foley said: "In Hudson River communities like ours, the reality of storms and sea level rise is becoming stronger and stronger. It is inevitable. Planning the flooding of our waterfront is essential. Like. Projects such as Dockside Coastline Stabilization are far beyond our local budget. The New York State partnership makes this much-needed work possible and will add facilities to expand residents and visitors’ access to our magnificent waterfront." 

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said: “Having a protected Hudson River waterfront will not only protect the village and its residents from climate change, but a more resilient dock park will benefit the tourism industry. We Thanks to Governor Hochul for her support of one of the most beautiful scenery in Putnam County." 

State parks supported this work with $1.4 million from the Environmental Protection Fund, and DEC provided $418,000 in habitat mitigation funds. Fishkill's Coyle Industries Inc. is the general contractor.  

The work is expected to be completed in September 2022. The plan calls for coordinated work so that the park remains open as much as possible, although it may be closed for work at certain times. 

The project is designed to accommodate a 7.5-mile Hudson Heights Fjord Trail along the river from Cold Spring to the lighthouse.   

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation manages more than 250 independent parks, historic sites, recreational trails and cruise ship sewers, and 78 million people will visit these recreational areas in 2020. For more information about these recreation areas, please visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. In addition, connect to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.