WILSON, N.Y. — State and local leaders are celebrating the completion of a $1.6 million project to protect a Niagara County tourist destination from flooding.

The Wilson Townline Pier is now open.

It saw heavy structural damage in 2019 during record flooding along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

The pier, which is a popular spot for fishermen and kayakers, was 2 feet underwater, making it inaccessible and a risk to boaters.

Funding for the project came from the state's resiliency and economic development initiative.

During the renovation, crews raised the pier by 3 feet, added new stairs,  and placed more loose stone along the shoreline to prevent further erosion.

The project also included a new public restroom and parking lot improvements.