The new marina is the centerpiece of a $22 million project designed to enhance public waterfront recreational facilities and encourage and support further private development. The project was supported by more than $4 million in grants from New York State and is expected to provide significant stimulus to the Rochester economy by generating $3.25 million in direct and indirect economic activity each year, as well as creating 300 permanent jobs.
“The new Port of Rochester Marina has transformed a public eyesore into a premier waterfront attraction, reinforcing Rochester’s reputation as a first class Great Lakes destination,” Gov. Cuomo said. “This project is proof positive that by investing in unique and underutilized regional assets, the public and private sectors can come together to create jobs and set the stage for sustained economic growth.”
The Port of Rochester Marina project, which also created 2,500 construction jobs, is expected be an important amenity for the planned hotel and condominium development on North River Street proposed by Edgewater Resources. The state-of-the-art marina basin now offers 54 seasonal boats slips and 30 transient slips with modern amenities including potable water, electricity, Wi-Fi and pump-out facilities. Visitors can enjoy the new public promenade, benches, picnic tables, barbeque grills, and park areas that surround the marina and connect to the Charlotte Pier and the Genesee River Trail System.
The project also features a new extension and connection of North River Street from Corrigan Street south to Latta Road which provides additional on-street parking spaces and a new alternative roadway connection to Ontario Beach Park. Improvements were made to the public boat launch docks and the parking lot. New transient boater broadside dockage was installed on the terminal dock wall.
“Rochester’s waterways were the key to its role as an early American boom town, and the redevelopment of its port will be central to its future promise as well,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “The new marina will make Rochester a Great Lakes tourist destination and true gateway to this region while creating hundreds of new jobs. We are seeing the result of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to rebuilding the Upstate economy and moving the Finger Lakes forward.”
More than $4 million in grants from multiple state agencies supported the completion of the project. These grants include:
- Four grant awards through the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program totaling $2,980,545 from the New York State Department of State for planning and construction of the Port of Rochester marina, including one $745,545 grant awarded through Governor Cuomo’s Regional Council initiative
- A $1 million grant from the New York State Department of Transportation for improvements to the road network that provides access to Ontario Beach Park, the Genesee River and the terminal facilities at the Port of Rochester.
- A $198,000 grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation – Green Innovation Grant Program for the installation of porous pavers, in parking areas near the Terminal Building, which will reduce water pollution by reducing storm water runoff.
- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation implemented the $1.45 million U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Boating Infrastructure Grant for the marina.
- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and United States Army Corps of Engineers provided essential permitting and technical support for the project.
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said, “The new Port of Rochester Marina replaces a sea of asphalt with a true Port of Opportunity. This marina will serve a catalyst for development that will create hundreds of permanent jobs and thousands of construction jobs and elevate Rochester’s position as a Great Lakes destination. … This new marina will be a major component in our efforts to lift Rochester’s economy so we can create more jobs, safer more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for our citizens.”
Additionally, renovations to the Port of Rochester Terminal Link Building will be completed this summer to create a new boater services facility which will include showers, restrooms, a laundry, a boaters lounge and small ship store. The new construction at the terminal is expected to lure more cruise ships to the Port within the next few years.
Two new restaurants will also open this summer, creating an estimated 82 full and part-time jobs. The Jetty at the Port, a casual restaurant with a Great Lakes nautical theme, will be open year-round. Mom’s Margio’s Diner will have a 1950s retro theme.
Funding sources for the Project included proceeds from the sale of the Hemlock and Canadice Lakes watershed to the State, Federal and state grants and the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
Boaters interested in visiting the marina or leasing seasonal and transient slips should contact the City’s marina operator, SG Marina, for slip rates and leasing terms by calling 585-428-7432 or visiting www.portofrochestermarina.com/.
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