Repair costs from shoreline damage at Geneva’s Lakefront Park could reach as high as $4 million as near-record Seneca Lake water levels and powerful wave action continue battering the city waterfront.
According to reporting by the Finger Lakes Times, Geneva Public Works Director Joe Venuti told City Council this week that the damage along the lakefront is significant and could worsen if water levels continue to rise.
Venuti said a combination of heavy spring rainfall, more than 60 inches of snowfall over the winter and strong southerly winds created large waves that accelerated erosion and flooding along the shoreline. Seneca Lake levels have approached the National Weather Service flood-stage threshold of 448 feet in recent days.
City officials say the damage includes sinkholes and erosion threatening walking and biking paths in the eastern section of Lakefront Park near Seneca Lake State Park. Some sections of sidewalk closest to the shoreline could be closed for safety reasons.
Venuti told council that high water levels have made it difficult to fully assess the extent of the damage, but said the city will not only need to repair affected areas, but also consider long-term shoreline protection improvements to better withstand future storms and high-water events.
The city has already closed portions of the lakefront, including the boat launch and some pedestrian access areas, after sinkholes were discovered in April.
Mayor Jim Cecere warned council members that repair costs are expected to be substantial, while City Manager Amie Hendrix said any state or federal grant funding is uncertain and unlikely to arrive quickly.
Officials are now documenting damage throughout the park in case the city qualifies for future disaster assistance. Venuti said local officials have been advised that all shoreline damage must be recorded for any potential aid applications.
