NYS Marine Highway’s tugboat fleet is the first step in a $300 million NYS Power Authority initiative to protect Mohawk River communities from ice-related flooding.
The pilot program, announced in early 2021, deploys commercial tugs to break up ice jams before they can cause damage. Historically, ice jams on the Mohawk have led to sudden flooding in Schenectady, Amsterdam, and other riverside communities. By proactively breaking the ice with vessel traffic, the state hopes to reduce the risk.
“We’ve been doing ice-breaking work for the Canal Corporation for years,” said an NYSMH representative. “This pilot expands that model. Our crews know the river, and our tugs are built for it. It’s a natural fit.”
The program has drawn attention from other states with similar challenges. “If this works on the Mohawk, it could be a template for the Great Lakes and beyond,” said one state official.
