Binghamton Explores Removing Rockbottom Dam
The city plans to partner with American Rivers to study removal of a low-headed dam on the Susquehanna River.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in National Parks
Live Poll
Should Binghamton spend public money studying removal of the Rockbottom Dam?
Binghamton Mayor Kraham announced the city's plan to partner with the conservation nonprofit American Rivers to explore removing Rockbottom Dam, a small low-headed dam on the Susquehanna River. American Rivers intends to conduct a feasibility study and contract technical experts, using grant funding.
Why it matters
The dam creates a recirculating current that can trap people and debris, so removal could make the river safer. Removal could also restore wildlife habitat and expand recreational opportunities residents have long sought on the Susquehanna.
The announcement is a plan to explore removal rather than a confirmed project, and no measurements or costs for the dam or study were provided. Whether removal will proceed depends on the results of the feasibility study that has yet to be conducted.
The players
American Rivers
American Rivers is a conservation nonprofit organization focused on safeguarding rivers and streams for cleaner drinking water, wildlife, and community development.
Binghamton Mayor Kraham
Kraham is the mayor of Binghamton, New York, who announced the city's plan to pursue the dam's removal with American Rivers.
The details
Binghamton plans to partner with American Rivers to explore removal of Rockbottom Dam, and American Rivers intends to hold a feasibility study and contract with technical experts. The work would be implemented with grant funding.
Timeline
Nov. 5, 2026: Mayor Kraham announced the city's plan to partner with American Rivers.
Big Picture
The Binghamton plan follows the river-restoration approach American Rivers applies to obsolete low-head dams, extending it to the Susquehanna River. Pursuing removal rather than repair reflects a shift toward restoring river habitat and recreational access.
If the dam is removed, paddlers and anglers on this stretch of the Susquehanna could see safer river conditions and new access. Until a feasibility study is completed, the current dam remains in place and river users should continue to avoid its recirculating current.
The takeaway
Dam removal is increasingly weighed as a way to make rivers safer while restoring habitat. Binghamton's study will show whether that approach fits the Susquehanna.
Further reading
For more on outdoor recreation and river access, see National Parks.
Live Poll
Should Binghamton spend public money studying removal of the Rockbottom Dam?
