State Commits $3 Million to Replace Aging Dryden Lake Dam

State and local officials gathered Tuesday to highlight a $3 million investment from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to replace the aging Dryden Lake Dam, a project officials say is critical to preserving the 100-acre lake and protecting downstream communities.

State Senator Lea Webb (SD-52) and Assemblymember Anna Kelles (AD-125) joined Dryden officials and DEC representatives at a press conference to discuss the status of the project and the state funding supporting the dam’s replacement.

“This isn’t about replacing a dam; it’s about saving a lake,” Dryden Deputy Supervisor Dan Lamb said. “Losing Dryden Lake would have been devastating to our town and surrounding communities.”

Dryden Lake dates to the 1800s, when the original dam was built to power a sawmill and help establish the area as a center of the lumber industry. Today, the lake serves as a recreational destination, wildlife habitat, fishery and community gathering place.

The surrounding wetlands provide breeding and feeding habitat for amphibians and fish and support waterfowl, songbirds and extensive rooted aquatic vegetation, according to Kelles.

“The future of this 100-acre lake depends on maintaining and modernizing the dam,” Kelles said.

The current Dryden Lake Dam is classified by DEC as a Class B Intermediate Hazard Dam. Under the state’s dam safety system, that designation means a failure could cause significant economic or environmental damage downstream, although loss of human life is not expected.

DEC officials also have identified structural concerns with the existing dam. Its timber structure is in poor condition and leaking, while the current spillway does not meet capacity standards.

The replacement structure will be constructed of concrete, with funding coming in part through the NY Works Capital Program.

DEC Region 7 Director Dereth Glance said the project is part of the state’s broader effort to address aging dam infrastructure while protecting communities.

“Investing in New York State’s vintage dam infrastructure protects communities,” Glance said. “The Dryden Dam replacement protects downstream communities and preserves the valued community recreational asset of Dryden Lake.”

The project follows years of discussions and advocacy by local and state officials over the condition of the dam and continued water loss from the lake. Webb and Kelles worked with the Village of Dryden, the town and DEC to advance the project and secure state attention and funding.

The Town of Dryden worked with New York State in 1997 to establish Dryden Lake Park. DEC manages the remainder of the Dryden Lake Multiple Use Area, including the dam.

According to DEC, finalized replacement plans are now in place, and the agency expects to solicit bids for the construction project in the coming months. Officials anticipate awarding the project before the end of 2026.

Webb said the investment represents an important step toward preserving both the lake and the ecosystem surrounding it.

“Protecting our natural ecosystems is vital to the continued health and well-being of our planet and ourselves,” Webb said. “I deeply appreciate the Department of Environmental Conservation’s willingness to replace Dryden Lake Dam, which is essential to maintaining equilibrium in the local ecosystem.”

For Dryden residents, officials say the project will help ensure the lake remains a community and environmental resource for years to come.