Russell’s Bill aimed at providing support to anglers and fishing charter operations

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that Governor Cuomo has signed a bill (A.3480b/S.2462b) that she authored, along with Senator Tom Libous, allowing anglers to use up to three fishing rods simultaneously.  Being able to use three rods will help enhance the fishing experience in the state’s streams, rivers and lakes.  The law is expected to have positive impacts in several situations. 

“This law will allow charter operators to maximize the use of their equipment in instances when they do not have a full group on board.  If a couple of people have to pull out of a fishing trip because of their personal finances, the remaining group will be put at a disadvantage because the charter will not be able to set up the lines for optimal fishing,” Russell explained.  “We want our sport fishermen and women to have exciting trips so they keep coming back to our region,” she added.  “Allowing a third rod helps our charter operations ensure they will have an exciting outing,” said Assemblywoman Russell. 

Allowing three rods is not new to the angling community.  Several other states currently allow the use of up to three rods per person.  “By adjusting our rules, we will put our fishing destinations in a competitive position when trying to attract major tournaments,” Russell said.  “Our fishing resources are a major asset and we need this change to help unlock the economic potential of our region,” she stated.

The added benefit to local fishermen and women is that those who fish to feed their families will also have an advantage.  “If you are fishing to put food on your table, having another line to find where the fish are biting and catch them is a plus,” Russell said.  “I want to be able to help my neighbors support themselves, and I hope that this is helpful to all those who depend on fishing to do so,” she added.

The Assemblywoman reinforced that the catch limits have not changed and must still be followed.  The law will expire in December of 2013 but will be considered for extension.  In the meantime, she hopes that anglers will take advantage of the new three rod rule and hopes that charter operators and marketing agencies will use this new provision to increase fishing activity in the region.  “Hopefully we will see an increase in recreational fishing, and that this will generate excitement in the angling community and make New York more competitive in attracting major tournaments,” she concluded.  

-30-

Assemblywoman Addie Russell reacts to the Governor’s Veto of Campgrounds legislation

The vetoing of this legislation, which helps consumers and businesses alike, is disappointing and contrary to the goal of easing unnecessarily burdensome regulation on our small  businesses so that our economy and business climate can improve.  My goal in writing this bill was to ease regulations on small campground businesses by providing a balanced alternative to installing a costly chemical toilet dump station.  In addition, my bill provided revenue to New York State Parks by directing campers at these small private campgrounds that are within 30 miles of a state park to go there to dump their waste water and pay the daily park rate. 

Instead, the Governor chose to veto this legislation, stating that there is a waiver process for campgrounds.  Requiring that campgrounds go through an arduous process to obtain a waiver is only temporary and is far more business-unfriendly than what my bill would have allowed.  Further, the waiver process is applied differently across the state, some regions being extremely inflexible and unwilling to provide a waiver all together.

It is also my understanding that the Department of Health was not supportive of the bill, citing concerns that people would choose to just dump their waste water illegally if no on-site waste water system is in place.  It shocks me that the DOH has such a low regard for our community members.  I believe they should be embracing solutions like this one that the state Assembly and Senate both supported.  I will be consulting with the Chair of the Assembly Health Committee about the possibility of holding hearings to examine the overregulation by the DOH.  

-30-

Statement on the future of SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam

 “As a staunch proponent of consolidation and shared services during my tenure as a member of the New York State Assembly, I have always supported creative and unique opportunities to rein in spending, especially at the top as opposed to always cutting the rank and file.  With the launch of the SUNY Campus Alliance Networks, SUNY will be able to invest more resources toward academic instruction and student-support services as a result of the cost savings generated by functional and administrative consolidation among the alliance partners. 

“Already SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam have initiated planning for shared services, thanks to the leadership of Presidents Joseph Kennedy and John Schwaller.  This can serve as an example that government can operate effectively and efficiently with smaller, centralized administrative units. 

“It should be stressed that this will not mean that the two campuses will merge into one college.  The administrative alliance should be invisible to the public and the students.  But the reduction of administrative personnel allows SUNY to channel resources that will directly improve educational functions at each campus respectively. 

“As New York State continues to recover from the downturn in the economy and tremendous budget gaps, this is exactly the kind of bold leadership needed.  I had discussions with Chancellor Zimpher last week and appreciate that she heard my concerns and my encouragement to proceed with a sound, open process for continued planning. Our respective staffs have had ongoing communications and will continue to do so.  Again I commend SUNY for its leadership in reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and expanding academic resources.”

Assemblywoman Russell Introduces Legislation to separate regulating districts

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D – Theresa) announced today that she is re-introducing a bill to unconsolidate the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District. 

In 1959 the Hudson River Regulating District (HRRD) (established 1922) was combined with the Black River Regulating District (BRRD)(established 1919) creating the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (the Regulating District). The combined Regulating District is a New York State public benefits corporation established by the NYS legislature in Article 15, title 21 of the Environmental Conservation law (ECL). By law, reflecting the wisdom of the legislature at the time, the accounts of the two districts are required to be separate.

Now the Hudson River Regulating District is facing a shortfall of close to $4.0 million of its annual $5.4 million budget. The Black River Regulating District is currently fiscally sound. In order for the HRRD to make up for this shortfall, in the face of its inability to assess the benefited Hudson River counties, it proposed that the HRRD borrow from the BRRD. The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) denied this request. In a letter dated October 23, 2009 to the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District, the OSC stated that ECL. §15-2141(1) requires that: moneys constituting the respective "general fund" or "debt service fund" or other fund or funds of either the Black River Regulating Board or District, shall remain and be kept separate and apart and shall be applied for the cost of maintenance and operation in the area of the appropriate district and to pay the debts and obligations of the appropriate board or district, on whose account such moneys were received.

“The legislature merged the two districts and for over sixty years the two accounts have been segregated.  Just because the Hudson River Regulating District has been unable to solve its financial challenges does not mean that we should sit by and allow them to undermine the financial health of the Black River Regulating District,” Russell argued.

The Hudson River Black River Regulating District passed a resolution today authorizing a loan between the districts under pressure from an order related to the ongoing litigation. 

“It is very uncertain whether they will have the resources to or if the Hudson River Regulating District even plans to pay back a loan taken from the Black River Regulating District.  Separating the two entities, as the legislation I will re-introduce proposed, will ensure that the intent of the legislature to keep the finances separate will in fact occur going forward, and not keep the Black River Regulating District hostage during the Hudson River District’s legal troubles,”  said Russell. "This legislation being re-introduced would once again separate the two regulating districts. It is clear that the Hudson River Regulating District needs a long-term resolution to resolve its financial difficulties. Borrowing from the financially sound Black River Regulating District is not the answer."

Governor Signs Russell's Bill to Expand the Ogdensburg Foreign Trade Zone

Yesterday the Governor signed legislation I authored to expand the Ogdensburg Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) to include St. Lawrence County.  This bill (A3724) is critical in increasing the competitiveness of St. Lawrence County at a particularly critical time, on the cusp of the North Country economic development council meetings, the first of which will be tomorrow morning. 

Attracting new companies is one of my main focuses as our state and our region begin building a portfolio of assets that bolster our region.  The expansion of the FTZ is a very unique asset and will certainly enhance our advantage as an economic development region. 

This legislation allows the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority to ask the Federal Foreign Trade Zone Board to approve the expansion of the current limited 75 acre zone within the City of Ogdensburg to an unlimited acreage within 60 miles or 90 minutes of travel from the Port.  Through the passage of Assembly bill 3724, we are opening the ability to locate companies within St. Lawrence County while conferring a Foreign Trade Zone designation to the businesses.  This will significantly increase the competitiveness of businesses locating in St. Lawrence County not only within the United States but on the global market.

“The direct efforts of Assemblywoman Russell, Senator Ritchie, and Governor Cuomo, have secured the state legislation necessary to expand the competitive benefits of the Foreign Trade Zone.  When approved by the US Foreign Trade Zone Board, the restructured Foreign Trade Zone will provide companies a new tool for increased competitiveness, ultimately creating additional jobs for North Country residents.  We sincerely appreciate the efforts of our elected officials.” said Wade Davis, Executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority.

“I am particularly pleased to be able to increase the tools in our arsenal in a time where our unemployment is at an all time high.  This designation will assist in retaining businesses as well as attracting businesses.  We have a unique pool of skilled laborers to offer any business re-locating or expanding in our area.  In addition, we have the necessary land resources, as well as capability to produce the needed energy resources to run a business.” Russell said.

The bill was sponsored in the Senate (S1379) by Senator Patty Ritchie.  I am appreciative of her efforts as well for moving the bill in the Senate. Together, we continue to work to give our constituents the needed advantage to thrive economically.

 -30-

Assemblywoman Russell reacts to SUNY Chancellor Zimpher's announcement

“Our SUNY system is one of New York State’s greatest assets.  As we continue to look for opportunities to operate government more efficiently and effectively, I am very encouraged by today’s announcement from Chancellor Zimpher regarding the implementation of Campus Alliance Networks.

“I have consistently called for a reduction of administration within every state department that is equitable with the ongoing staff reductions.  Our SUNY system provides a unique opportunity to create these Campus Alliance Networks that will provide for sharing of academic resources, courses, and programs while preserving the identity of each SUNY school.  This is exactly the kind of forward thinking that we need throughout state government. 

“In the North Country, we are already seeing the beginning of this collaborative approach between SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam.  I am confident that the unique relationship shared by these institutions will help build a model for collaborations among other SUNY institutions in the state without resorting to mergers or loss of identity of any school.”

St. Lawrence River Boat Tour with the Greenest NYer

This past Monday, I accompanied Erik Baard, the Greenest New Yorker and his friend Edward Hancox on a trip with Uncle Sam Boat Tours on a river tour. 

Statement Regarding SUNY President Joseph Kennedy

“I am pleased that SUNY Canton President Joe Kennedy will stay on through this next academic year at SUNY Canton.  He will then go on to make important contributions to the 64-campus SUNY system, advising SUNY and the Chancellor on shared services implementation. 

“I am also pleased that he and SUNY Potsdam President John Schwaller will be working collaboratively to implement shared services between the two campuses over the next academic year, which will become a model for other SUNY collaborations. 

“Joe has done an outstanding job at SUNY Canton and we are fortunate to have him continue for an additional year before he joins SUNY Central and play a major role in the future of the SUNY system.

“Finally, I want to thank Chancellor Nancy Zimpher for being responsive to my concerns and receptive to my input in this important matter for our SUNY institutions in the North Country. “

-30-