Evidence of an abrupt stop to the construction project — including new restrooms — is evident in late March the site at the state boat launch on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake. (Enterprise photo — Lou Reuter)

SARANAC LAKE — The state Department of Environmental Conservation has temporarily postponed construction of a new bathroom at the Lake Flower Boat Launch.

“Due to the current COVID-19 public health crisis, DEC has temporarily ceased work on construction projects deemed unessential,” DEC spokesman David Winchell said Tuesday. “This includes the construction of the bathrooms at the Lake Flower Boat Launch.”

The department’s decision came after Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed construction companies statewide to suspend all “non-essential” work as concerns mount over the spread of the novel coronavirus. The governor’s directive this past Friday expanded on his previous “New York State on PAUSE” executive order directing all businesses deemed “non-essential” to stop in-person operations.

The DEC started work on the new boat launch bathroom in February. The restroom is being built in the western corner of the boat launch property near the sidewalk, along River Street. The facility, with restrooms for both men and women, will have four toilets, two sinks and air hand dryers. The project is expected to cost $450,000. It was slated to be done by mid-June.

“Work will resume as further changes are authorized through NY PAUSE,” Winchell said.

Due to safety concerns from the operation of heavy equipment and storage of construction materials, the boat launch has been closed to the public since construction started.