Assemblywoman Russell bill to support Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority signed into law by Gov. Cuomo

 

A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, that will grant the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority access to a larger pool of investment funds, was signed into law by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today (A.5651a)

The Authority, which is responsible for the Ogdensburg International Bridge, Airport, and Port, among various other enterprises, has for years operated under an outdated bonding rule that hamstrung efforts to raise funds for new projects.

With the Governor’s signature, the Authority will be able to bond for upgrades at the International Airport and Bridge, options that come at a crucial time for the economy of Ogdensburg and the North Country at large.

“The on-going expansion of the Ogdensburg International Airport is an important element in a multi-faceted effort to bring more people to the North Country and anything we can do to support this endeavor is worth exploring,” Russell said. “At the Ogdensburg International Bridge there is immense need for upgrades and refurbishment that this legislation will address. With a modernized ability to bond, the Authority will have an expanded ability to qualify for and manage larger infrastructure grants going forward.”

Russell stressed the important role the Authority plays in maintaining economic ties with Canada, America’s largest trading partner.

“Canadian markets are an important source of revenue for the North Country, the state, and the nation,” Russell said. “I’m proud to have sponsored this legislation and want to thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing how important the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority is to the North Country.”

“The Authority greatly appreciates the Assemblywoman Russell's assistance updating the Authority's bonding legislation. Assemblywoman Russell and our state representatives have been resilient advocates for economic growth and development here in the North County. They have been terrific partners throughout this entire process,” said OBPA Executive Director Wade A. Davis. “The Ogdensburg International Airport expansion will undoubtedly result in job creation, increased tourism and an overall promotion of regional transportation capabilities."

Assemblywoman Russell applaud's Governor Cuomo's stance on upstate infrastructure investments

Speaking to reporters in Rochester on Wednesday Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said upstate infrastructure investments need parity with downstate investments. Read more here.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, applauds the Governor's stance.

"I’m encouraged to hear Governor Cuomo supports upstate infrastructure investments," Russell said. "New York is at its best when all regions are treated fairly, and bringing parity to the state’s infrastructure funding will spur economic growth by linking upstate producers to downstate markets and encouraging downstate tourists to explore more of the state. I’ve supported a five-year funding commitment that would allow businesses and governments to perform much needed, long-term planning while expanding employment opportunities in communities that desperately need new, well-paying jobs. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues in the State Legislature to give New York’s economy a much needed boost."


 

7th Annual Addie's Books for Children initiative gets underway

As the holiday season gets underway, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is teaming up with Kinney Drugs to provide books to children across the North Country.

The 7th annual Addie’s Books for Children drive is looking for new or gently used books for kids up to 12 years old.

“It’s important that every child is exposed to the joy of reading at an early age,” Russell said. “I’m extremely proud that over the last six years we’ve been able to donate more than 20,000 books to North Country children. I look forward to encouraging holiday reading as a tradition, and I hope more people from across the region will join me.”

Drop-off locations are located at every Kinney Drugs store and both of Russell’s district offices:

Watertown:

Dulles State Office Building, Suite 201

317 Washington Street

Watertown NY 13601

Canton:

3 Remington Avenue, Suite 1

Canton NY 13617

St. Lawrence County donations will be distributed by the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program. Donations in Jefferson County will be distributed by the Community Action Planning Council in Watertown.

“I want to thank Kinney Drugs, the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program, and the Community Action Planning Council for their support of this important effort,” Russell said.

Please call (315) 786-0284 or (315) 386-2037 or email russella@assembly.state.ny.us for more information.

Not the right time for Massena Memorial Hospital privatization, says Assemblywoman Russell

Statement from Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, on the announcement from Massena Memorial Hospital regarding their plans to begin the process to become a non-profit.

“Now is not the time to entertain the privatization of Massena Memorial Hospital. We have seen strong gains over the last year, and while we do need to review the facility’s long term viability, there is no need to rush through a decision at this time. Given the traumatic announcement by Alcoa, Massena and the entire North Country should be focusing 100 percent on keeping Alcoa’s operation open. I would like to see a delay in discussions of privatization until we have a better idea of what we are really looking at regarding Alcoa and so that the community can fully participate in the discussions.”

Read more about the announcement at: http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/Massena-Hospital-Plans-Switch-To-Nonprofit-Status-341782802.html

Assemblywoman Russell urges all levels of government to begin long-term planning to support economic development in Massena and the North Country

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is urging ALCOA to reconsider a decision to curtail smelting at its Massena West plant and is working with local, state, and federal officials to find a path forward that keeps the company in the North Country.

“Given the turbulent global economy which drove this decision, it is imperative that we focus on what can be done to mitigate the economic devastation and retain the ability for future smelting operations in Massena,” Russell said.

Russell will introduce legislation to protect the power allocation granted to ALCOA for its Massena operations to provide time for the demand for primary metals to rebound in world markets. “In the interim, my legislation will call for the value of the power not currently being utilized by ALCOA to be invested in the North Country - particularly to benefit those impacted by job loss,”Russell said.

“The key to the long term viability of smelting in Massena is an improved economic environment more broadly,” added Russell. “The time is long overdue for New York to make long-term, multi-year investments in infrastructure to stabilize our economy and support sustainable growth. Responsible development will provide the basis for business investment in equipment and materials, generating demand for manufactured goods. It is within the state’s financial ability and best interests to partner with businesses and communities to address our infrastructure needs: from energy transmission upgrades to relieving congestion on choked roads, from repairing crumbling bridges to ensuring basic services, like water and sewer systems, are able to meet demands.”

Russell is calling for leaders at the federal level to provide support for infrastructure investment and to promote the long-term, strategic decision making that has been absent under sequestration.

“Businesses and workers benefit from construction projects that provide cash flow to companies and paychecks to workers who reinvest their profits and earnings into purchases that will drive the rest of the economy forward,” Russell said. “Funding the basic infrastructure needs will be a win-win by creating mid-term jobs and long-term operational efficiency that will help to ensure businesses are profitable and able to engage in further development and expansion”

With recent political change in Canada, our largest trading partner, Russell sees an opportunity to invest more heavily in transportation linkages across the border. “This presents a new opportunity to improve transportation linkages by aligning projects in Canada and New York so we can retain our long-standing manufacturing sectors and recruit complimentary ventures which strengthen their position in the global market.”