Troy

The $14.1 million restoration of the city's Hudson River seawall will benefit development, said one of the major property owners on the waterfront.

"We have been waiting for this to happen so we can move forward," Sam Judge of Judge Development Corp. said Monday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to pay the $12.8 million cost of fixing the seawall, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer announced Monday.

"Restoring the Troy seawall will not only protect the Hudson River waterfront by preventing future flood damage, but also bring scores of economic benefits to the residents and businesses that have come to rely on the waterfront's incredible development," the New York Democrat said in a statement.

The project includes $12.8 million in construction funds as well as $1.3 million in engineering and design work, which was previously approved.

"These federal funds will allow Troy to build back the seawall stronger than ever before," Schumer said.

When the seawall is repaired, it will be possible to develop additional docks and other projects along the riverfront, said Judge, who owns property along River Street from 225 River St., on the south side of 1 Monument Square, south to State Street.

Schumer worked with the city to convince FEMA of the importance of repairing the crumbling seawall. Tropical Storm Irene dealt a major blow to the wall in August 2011.

City Engineer Andrew Donovan said an in-depth investigation of the seawall using divers showed that more extensive work was necessary than originally projected.

The seawall repair would extend for about 7,000 feet, from Hutton Street near the Hedley Building at 433 River St. south to the Poesten Kill. Donovan said the city would be meeting with the major property owners along the shoreline, which include the city's Riverfront Park and 1 Monument Square site, to discuss details of the project.

The 94-year-old seawall was last repaired in 1978 and has been re-evaluated several times since. While the seawall does not appear to be in danger of immediate collapse, its deteriorating condition has officials worried.

A top concern is that a major 60-inch sewer main runs within 15 feet to 25 feet of the wall. A break in the line would potentially cause an environmental disaster by flooding the Hudson River with sewage.

The city expects to bid out the seawall project this summer, Donovan said. It's possible that work could begin later this year, he said.

The city also will move ahead with a $1.1 million marina improvement project once the seawall work is finished, Donovan said.

He anticipated that could happen in 2017.

kcrowe@timesunion.com • 518-454-5084 • @KennethCrowe