Ortt Announces New Breakwall Funds

Today, Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) announced the Town of Newfane will receive $500,000 in Office of Community Renewal(OCR) funding for the construction of a new breakwall, located off of Olcott Harbor.

“I am proud to have worked alongside our local officials and partners in delivering these funds,” said Sen. Rob Ortt. “Not only have the residents of Olcott Harbor suffered extensive property damage due to record lake levels, but the structure of the harbor itself has become a concern to local and state officials alike. The $500,000 in OCR funding will help secure and fortify the economic viability of the harbor for years to come.” 

            The proposed breakwall is a result of an extensive study performed by the Town of Newfane and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and will resemble that of the breakwall constructed at Oak Orchard Creek in neighboring Orleans County. 

            The breakwall is set to protect both homes and businesses located around the Town of Newfane Marina and McDonough Marine.

Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,I-Lockport) said, “While our community has faced grave adversity due to the extreme water levels of Lake Ontario, I am proud of the tireless efforts of our local officials including Newfane Supervisor Tim Horanburg and Niagara County Legislator John Syracuse, and our first responders to fight for funding and resources to rebuild our shoreline and infrastructure. I am pleased to champion this issue with State Senator Robert Ortt and proud that we were able to deliver vital funding to study the fortification of the entire Olcott Harbor.  I will continue to fight for the necessary funding to restore and rebuild our shoreline communities.”

Tim Horanburg, Town of Newfane Supervisor said, “For years, the Town of Newfane has worked on implementing the construction of a new breakwall, and I am delighted that these new funds will help bring it to fruition. The development of this new project has been several years in the making, but I am proud to join Sen. Ortt, Assemblyman Norris and Legislator Syracuse in finally announcing there is light at the end of this tunnel.”

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