The breakwall, as seen from the Port of Oswego.

The collapsing breakwall at the Port of Oswego is on its way to being saved.

US Sen. Chuck Schumer announced Wednesday that he has secured $300,000 to design and engineer a plan to repair the 100 year old breakwall. Schumer believes that the breakwall is in danger of collapsing. That would shut down the port, which has become a busy hub of shipping activity that generates an estimated $6 million in economic benefit to the region.

“For over a century the port has generated millions of dollars in revenue for the Central New York region and in these tough times we cannot afford to lose that type of economic activity,” Schumer said in a news release. Schumer visited the port earlier this year.

The money for engineering and design does not guarantee that money will be made available to rebuild the breakwall, but Schumer said he would fight to get it. The estimated cost of repair is about $4 million.

“The $300,000 funding allocation approved by Congress is a vital first step in the reconstruction process of the breakwater wall protecting Oswego Harbor,” said Executive Director of the Port of Oswego Jonathan Daniels. “We are confident that Oswego will receive the funding to commence the rehabilitation project.”

The Port of Oswego is the oldest freshwater port in the country, dating to the 1880’s.

The breakwall protects not only shipping, but recreational navigation as well, from waves which can top 12 feet on rough days.

The Fulton District Wide Storytelling Festival was held and storytellers from throughout the district showcased their talents in telling a wide variety of stories. Participants told a folktale, fairytale, myth, legend, tall tale or fable. The stories ranged from spooky legends to hilarious tales and many had a useful moral attached that provided a bit [...]

Parents: Get your social life back on track! Go out “guilt-free” and have fun knowing that your children are not just waiting for you by the TV — but are having fun too!

Happy New Year to all of our readers in the tri-county region!
While our Richland facility is closed until April, the society is still active with Friday afternoon hours at the Barclay Court House in Pulaski (2nd floor over DMV, 2pm until 5) or by appointment. We got off to a rocky start following our [...]