Assemblywoman Russell secures over $7.8 million for local infrastructure projects

Funding will rehabilitate bridge supporting Route 180 over the Black River near the airport

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D - Theresa) announced that she has secured accelerated funding as part of the NY Works program to replace the bridge over the Black River on Route 180 in the Village of Dexter. 

“The state must make strategic investments in North Country infrastructure, like our bridges, to ensure reliable and safe routes for travel, to improve the transportation of goods, and to facilitate more development in our communities,” said Assemblywoman Russell. “The bridge in Dexter needs significant work, estimated at over $7.8 million.  I have pushed to get this work started ahead of schedule, and now it will begin sooner than originally planned.  This vital investment will not only modernize our local infrastructure, it will make our community a better and safer place to live and do business.”

“The reconstruction of this bridge will compliment efforts to develop the Watertown International Airport,” she continued.  “There have been significant capital improvements at the airport, and the bridge could facilitate improved infrastructure to the facility, laying the groundwork for even more business activity.”

Dexter Mayor James R. Eves said, “The community needs the bridge to be wider in order to better accommodate existing large vehicle traffic.  The sooner this project gets done, the better.  In addition, the Village of Dexter could accommodate the sewer infrastructure needs if the airport continues to expand.  The new bridge design would enable the village to extend sewer over the river to support that growth.”  

“Since its inception last year, my continued commitment to the NY Works capital program has helped bring millions of dollars in supplemental transportation aid to the North Country to expedite important infrastructure projects,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “I will continue to invest in capital programs that will help efforts to draw new businesses to our region, and fight to ensure our area continues to receive its fair share of state funding.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Addie Russell - St. Lawrence sales tax bill signed by the Governor

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D - Theresa) announced that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed her bill A.4761 which allows St. Lawrence County to adopt a local law to increase the county sales tax an additional one percent above the current three percent rate.

“The Board of Legislators has requested this home rule legislation and I am pleased that it was passed by both houses and signed by the Governor. When it comes to home rule requests from local government, state government should respect the needs and financial challenges they face,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “If the Board of Legislators enacts the increase, it should allow for more balanced revenue, providing relief to property tax payers,” she stated.

This authorization provides St. Lawrence County with the authority that nearly every other county in the state enjoys.  Most counties in New York State have been able to increase their sales tax rate beyond three percent.  The bill authorizes the county to adopt an increase for two years, and then must be re-approved by the state.  The bill’s main sponsor in the Senate (S.5014) is Senator Patricia Ritchie.   

-30-