Binghamton Initiated Study to Remove Rockbottom Dam

Mayor Jared Kraham announced a feasibility study to potentially remove the historic dam on the Susquehanna River.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a dam structure spanning a river, evoking the institutional review of infrastructure. — Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham has launched a feasibility study to evaluate the potential removal of the 198-year-old Rockbottom Dam on the Susquehanna River. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham has launched a feasibility study to determine if the city can remove the Rockbottom Dam. The project aims to improve river safety and recreational access to the Susquehanna River.

Why it matters

The removal is being considered because the 198-year-old structure poses a safety risk to the downtown district and currently obstructs recreational use. The city will assess if the dam is still strictly necessary for its water filtration plant operations.

The Rockbottom Dam was constructed in 1828 and the city is targeting a potential removal timeline of four to five years. Officials are currently collaborating with the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the nonprofit group American Rivers.

The players

Jared Kraham

Jared Kraham is the Mayor of Binghamton who initiated the assessment of the city-owned dam.

Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is a regulatory agency partnering with the city on the project.

American Rivers

American Rivers is a nonprofit organization focused on river restoration and protection that is assisting with the feasibility study.

The details

Binghamton acquired the structure to manage water levels for its filtration plant, but the city must now weigh this function against long-standing safety concerns. Three firefighters lost their lives in the river near the site in September 1975, highlighting the persistent hazards posed by the structure.

The Rockbottom Dam was originally built in 1828.
Three firefighters died in the river near the dam in September 1975.
Mayor Jared Kraham announced the feasibility study on October 9, 2026.

Political Context

This initiative follows a pattern established by the removal of legacy dams on the Penobscot River by prioritizing recreational safety and ecological restoration over aging industrial infrastructure. Opponents may raise concerns regarding the potential impact on city water filtration costs and the loss of historical river control mechanisms.

If the project proceeds, residents may see significant changes to river water levels and the long-term safety profile of the downtown waterfront. The study will dictate whether the city must invest in alternative infrastructure to replace the dam's role in the water filtration process.

The takeaway

The move to evaluate the dam signifies a shift toward prioritizing public safety and recreation in downtown Binghamton. Residents should monitor future town hall meetings as the city assesses the financial and logistical requirements for the potential removal.