New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction is officially underway on a $16.4-million project to rehabilitate the Old Forge and Sixth Lake dams in New York’s western Adirondacks, a multi-year effort aimed at improving water regulation and enhancing the long-term safety and reliability of the century-old structures.
The project, announced today by Gov. Kathy Hochul, will modernize both dams, which regulate water levels on the Fulton Chain of Lakes and provide downstream ecological and public safety benefits. Work is expected to continue through the end of 2027.
“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,” Hochul said in a statement.
Funding for the rehabilitation was initially appropriated in the FY 2023–2024 state budget. The work includes replacing existing spillways with new “labyrinth” spillways designed to increase capacity and improve water regulation, along with replacing water control gates and reconstructing downstream concrete aprons. New gate enclosure structures will be built to retain the architectural style of the existing gatehouses, while emergency standby generators and embankment improvements will also be installed.
The Hudson River–Black River Regulating District, which oversees the dams, said the investment will bring the facilities into compliance with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation dam safety standards while improving public access and recreational features.
“The Board is grateful to the Governor 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,” said district chair Mark Finkle.
To minimize disruption during construction, contractors will use temporary coffer dams at each site, allowing half of each new spillway to be built per year without draining or significantly lowering lake water levels. At Sixth Lake Dam, construction sequencing has been planned to avoid impacts to existing parking used by seasonal residents during the summer. Improvements are also planned for an existing bulkhead and dock that provides access to nearby seasonal camps.
At Old Forge Dam, the rehabilitation aligns with the Town of Webb’s Waterfront Revitalization Plan and includes upgrades such as improved access, lighting and docking facilities. Both sites will add new hand-launch access points for paddlers, including those traveling along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a 740-mile water route extending from Old Forge, N.Y., to Fort Kent, Maine.
District executive director John Callaghan said the project balances infrastructure upgrades with community benefits. “We are excited to be advancing this work to bring these structures into full compliance with state dam safety standards, while also incorporating access and recreation enhancements for residents and visitors,” he said.
Once completed, the project is expected to reduce water level fluctuations on the Fulton Chain of Lakes and provide enhanced safety and reliability for surrounding communities.
