One Team. One Vision.
A thriving, resilient New York State powered by clean energy
At Kleinschmidt, we don’t just understand that vision. We live it alongside NYPA.
Our partnership is more than a list of projects—it’s a shared commitment to stewardship, problem-solving, and maintaining legacy infrastructure that stands the test of time. Our collaboration with NYPA spans over 100 projects including engineering, environmental services, and regulatory compliance.
years of dedicated partnership
St. Lawrence/FDR Power Project
Kleinschmidt led the scoping and implementation efforts for 15 individual American eel (Anguilla rostrata) research studies over the seven-year relicensing period. Studies utilized state of the art technology for tagging and tracking fish movements as well as techniques used to analyze data. Coordination of the studies involved interaction with resource agencies and non-governmental organizations such as the United States Fish and Wildlife Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Geological Survey-Biological Resources Division, New York State Department of Conservation, and the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority, Audubon Society of New York, American Rivers United, Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, the Nature Conservancy, and others. Kleinschmidt helped to organize meetings, prepare presentations, and present scientific and engineering data at numerous meetings during the seven-year relicensing effort.
Restoring the River: Niagara Habitat Improvement Projects
Client
New York Power Authority
Project Location
Niagara River, NY
Timeframe
Since 2007
Ecological Sustainability
Among our most impactful collaborations is the ongoing support of NYPA’s Niagara Habitat Improvement Projects (HIPs), a critical environmental initiative along the Niagara River that began in 2007 and continues to this day. These projects are a cornerstone of NYPA’s relicensing commitment and a testament to their dedication to ecological sustainability.
Kleinschmidt provided comprehensive services throughout the project lifecycle—from initial scoping and conceptual design to permitting, construction, and long-term maintenance. In total, we evaluated 16 potential habitat restoration sites, ultimately advancing eight high-priority projects to final design and implementation.
Permitting Expertise that Drives Results
Navigating the permitting process for multiple projects required coordination with a range of regulatory entities, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NYSDEC, NYSDOS, and even the U.S. Department of State. Our team submitted and secured approvals for joint applications under various statutes, demonstrating no impact to international boundary water flows and meeting stringent environmental compliance standards.
Recognition of Excellence
The success of the HIPs has not gone unnoticed. NYPA’s efforts—supported by Kleinschmidt’s technical leadership and strategic guidance—have twice earned the prestigious Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters award from the National Hydropower Association, a national recognition of innovation and environmental leadership in the industry. Kleinschmidt played a key role in NYPA’s digital transformation initiative, integrating multiple digital surveys and datasets into a fully realized 3D model of the OAP structure. This cutting-edge model provides NYPA with a dynamic tool for monitoring, planning, and managing the powerhouse with precision.
Tangible Environmental Benefits:
Nearly 24 acres of wetland habitat enhanced or restored.
125 acres of marshlands managed to control invasive vegetation.
5 osprey nesting platforms installed to support a state-listed species.
10,000 SF of nesting habitat created for the common tern.
Use of bioengineering techniques and in-stream structures to reduce erosion, foster wetland growth, and enrich fish and wildlife habitat.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Our collaboration with NYPA is more than a contract—it's a partnership built on trust, shared values, and a vision for a more sustainable future. As we continue supporting their engineering and environmental initiatives, Kleinschmidt remains committed to delivering the efficiency, technical excellence, and cost control that NYPA has come to rely on.
Innovating Hydropower Powering the Future.
At Kleinschmidt, we don’t just follow industry advancements—we drive them. Our team is committed to leveraging the latest hydropower technologies and innovative approaches to optimize performance and sustainability. We employ cutting-edge tools such as drones and unmanned watercraft for topographic and bathymetric surveys, enhancing data accuracy while improving safety and reducing costs.
We’ve pioneered the integration of real-time data analytics to optimize energy production. Our experience with design-build project delivery has helped expedite construction timelines, minimize environmental impact, and ensure seamless collaboration between engineers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers.
By continuously evolving and embracing emerging technologies, Kleinschmidt remains a trusted partner in advancing hydropower solutions—ensuring that this critical renewable resource remains reliable, sustainable, and efficient for generations to come.
Stronger Together:
Honoring Diversity in All We Do
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to how we work and who we work with. We believe that lasting impact starts with meaningful partnerships—and that means creating opportunities for businesses and individuals from all backgrounds to thrive.
We are proud to collaborate with Minority-owned, Women-owned, Service-disabled Veteran-owned, and other historically underrepresented businesses across our projects. Our commitment to supplier diversity is reflected not only in our teaming strategies but also in our ongoing efforts to foster long-term relationships with MWBE firms.
Our internal Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Council guides our strategic initiatives and reinforces our belief that an inclusive culture drives innovation, collaboration, and better outcomes for our clients and communities.
We know that diversity makes us stronger—and we’re committed to doing the work that ensures everyone has a seat at the table.