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FACT SHEET-Saugerties Harbor, New York

Maintenance Dredging

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District
Published Dec. 19, 2023

DESCRIPTION: The project provides for a 0.8-mile-long navigation channel, 12 feet deep, 200 feet wide, in Esopus Creek from the deep water in the Hudson River to the steamboat wharf at the Village of Saugerties.   

AUTHORIZATION: Adopted 1884 and 1902.

COMMERCE: The Saugerties Harbor Federal Navigation Channel (SHFNC) is necessary for the full usage of waterfront facilities in the harbor and Esopus Creek, and its maintenance assures its continued safe and economical use by shipping interests.  The SHFNC allows for the development of waterborne commerce and recreational activities at Saugerties and beyond.  Crucially, the SHFNC provides access to the Hudson River for the United States Coast Guard and its vessels stationed in Esopus Creek; allowing the USGS to run winter icebreaking and patrols of the Hudson River to keep the waters navigable by commercial vessels year-round.  A well-maintained channel encourages an increase in the volume of maritime traffic in the region.   

BACKGROUND: During FY2016, maintenance dredging was performed in the navigation channel from the Hudson River to the U.S. Coast Guard Station at River Mile 0.4. This was to restore full access for U.S. Coast Guard vessels performing critical ice-breaking and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions for the high-use commercial deep-draft Hudson River Federal Navigation project. The last condition survey of the project channel was completed in FY2023. 

STATUS: FY2024 funds will be used to perform maintenance dredging of the channel in Esopus Creek from the Hudson River to the steamboat wharf, approx. 0.8 miles, removing approx. 34,000 CY of shoaling with upland placement at the federally owned Houghtaling Island Placement Site.  Existing environmental restrictions require all in-water work to be completed between August 15th and October 31st.   

CONTACT:

Devon Hinds
Engineer Technician
P: (518) 273-0870
Email: devon.hinds@usace.army.mil
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District
Albany Field Office
1 Bond Street
Troy, NY 12180  


CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: NY-19 and NY-20