ALBANY, NY – Construction has officially begun on a major infrastructure project to rehabilitate the Old Forge and Sixth Lake Dams in the western Adirondacks, marking a significant milestone in New York State’s efforts to modernize aging water-control structures. The $16.4 million initiative will strengthen public safety, improve water management, and enhance recreational amenities in Herkimer and Hamilton counties.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of work on January 30, emphasizing the long-term importance of the century-old dams that regulate the Fulton Chain of Lakes. The multi-year project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, will upgrade critical components including spillways, water control gates, and downstream concrete aprons while preserving the historic character of the facilities.
“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.”
The rehabilitation is being funded through appropriations secured in the FY 2023-2024 State Budget and represents one of the largest recent investments in Adirondack water infrastructure. Engineers will replace existing spillways with modern “labyrinth” designs capable of handling greater water volumes, install emergency standby generators, and reconstruct embankments to meet current safety standards.
Hudson River – Black River Regulating District Chair Mark Finkle said, “The Board is grateful to Governor Hochul and the Legislature for this much-needed investment, which will ensure that the residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the Fulton Chain of Lakes safely and reliably for generations to come.”
Executive Director John Callaghan highlighted the compliance and community benefits of the upgrades. “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,” he said.
To minimize disruption, contractors will use temporary coffer dams so that half of each new spillway can be built annually without lowering lake levels. Seasonal parking and waterfront access at Sixth Lake will remain available during summer construction, and improvements to bulkheads and docks will support camp owners and boaters.
At Old Forge Dam, the project aligns with the Town of Webb’s Waterfront Revitalization Plan, adding better lighting, docking facilities, and new “hand launch” points for paddlers along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail—a 740-mile route stretching from Old Forge to Fort Kent, Maine.
Environmental and community groups welcomed the announcement. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “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 added, “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 the DEC for moving this project forward so that the Fulton Chain of Lakes can flourish for another century.”
Local residents’ groups stressed the importance of maintaining normal water levels throughout construction. Sixth and Seventh Lake Improvement Association President Ken Streb said, “We welcome this important investment which will ensure the use and enjoyment of Sixth and Seventh Lakes for generations to come, while improving levels of safety and water regulation. The Sixth and Seventh Lake Improvement Association appreciates the emphasis the Regulating District has placed on ensuring the project is completed with minimal disruption to area residents, and while maintaining normal water levels.”
Recreation advocates also pointed to the historic significance of the waterway. Northern Forest Canoe Trail President Karrie Thomas said, “The boat launch at Old Forge has been the start of paddlers’ epic journey tracing historic travel routes through the Fulton Chain and 6th Lake and all the way to Fort Kent, Maine for the past 25 years. These waters have been important for navigation, sustenance and recreation for as long as people have paddled canoes. We appreciate the care and consideration provided by Hudson River – Black River Regulating District to ensure safe access to the waterways throughout the project and the thoughtful planning to improve the access for future use.”
Town officials in Webb and Inlet described the upgrades as essential to economic vitality and public safety. Town of Webb Supervisor Tom Greco said, “This project is an important investment in the Town of Webb and the Fulton Chain of Lakes. The improvements at the Old Forge Dam support our waterfront, our recreation-based economy, and the long-term vitality of our community. We appreciate the Regulating District’s partnership with the Town and thank Governor Hochul and the Legislature for making this investment possible.”
Town of Inlet Supervisor John Frey said, “We look forward to seeing the Sixth Lake Dam fully rehabilitated and brought up to current dam safety standards. We welcome this significant investment in our community, which will ensure that this resource can function as intended and provide important benefits over the decades ahead.”
Once completed, the upgraded dams are expected to deliver more stable water levels, stronger flood resilience, and improved access for boaters and anglers—securing the Fulton Chain of Lakes as a centerpiece of Adirondack life for decades to come.
Originally reported by Governor New York Government.
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