Like many waterfront communities, the Village of Lewiston is trying to deal with increased water levels in recent years.

• Lewiston's shoreline under construction to prevent flooding
• Updated watefront to include new floating docks, extension of breakwall along the shore, walkway raised by two feet
• Officials hope the entire project will be done by late June

Mayor Anne Welch says with funding from the Village, New York State, FEMA and insurance (following flooding in 2017), they are putting in new docks and expanding a breakwall.

"Hopefully within the next month or so, you'll see the completion of this, which will be beautiful, but it does take time," Welch said.

Welch says the walkway will be raised two feet.

Public Works Superintendent Terry Brolinski says new wooden docks on the north end will be done next week so fishermen can get back out there.

He says 28 new floating docks are coming in as well.

With all of the construction, the parking lot at the boat launch is temporarily closed.

"Anywhere where it's not fenced off, they can fish. They just need to park up top for now. If they are handicapped, there are two handicapped spots that are available," Brolinski said.

The boat launch is still accessible, but the area will be even more congested by a temporary dock for Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.

The company's usual dock is affected by the breakwall construction.

Owner John Kinney is praising the work by the village.

He says while he understands it's a temporary inconvenience for anglers and boaters, he points out that the seawall next to his docks on the Canadian side was built in 1909.

"Obviously, it's 100 years that it's been there, servicing the waterfront, and we can expect that type of longevity with this project here in Lewiston," Kinney said.

Kinney says he hopes he will be able to return to his normal launch point by early to mid-June.

Brolinski says if the weather cooperates, the entire project could be complete by the end of June.