Assemblywoman Russell spends Monday at North Country Seniorama

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, spent Monday at the New York Statewide Senior Action Council North Country Chapter's 25th annual Seniorama at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort's bingo palace.

A number of vendors from around the region took part in the health and information fair. North Country Chapter Senior Action Council officials said Monday's event was its last seniorama, noting a number of other organizations in the region now offer health and information fairs.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, center, visits with Statewide Senior Action Council North Country Chapter leaders, including North Country Chapter President Linda Wilkinson, at the 25th annual Seniorama held this year at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Report.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Norfolk legislator John Burke, chairman of the St. Lawrence County Legislature, discuss issues at the 25th annual Seniorama.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell touches base with Potsdam Assessor James Snyder, president of the St. Lawrence County Assessors' Association.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, left, discusses a constituent issue with Gail Teele, Lisbon.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, left, checks in with Linda Smith, a member of the Morley Branch Library Board of Directors. Assemblywoman Russell helped the library secure funding for a building renovation project.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, discusses assessment issues with Potsdam Assessor James Snyder and Louisville Town Assessor Lorraine Salamon.

Assemblywoman Russell checks out status of TIERS building project

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell. D-Theresa, recently stopped in Clayton to check on the status of the construction of the new building that will house the Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service. Pictured are, front row: TIERS Board of Directors Chair Bud Baril and Assemblywoman Russell. Back row: TIERS volunteer Bobby Cantwell, TIERS Executive Director Rolly Churchill and Clayton Town Suprvisor David Storandt, Jr.

Assemblywoman Russell tours psych center waterfront property

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says a recent tour of the riverfront property at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center provided her with a glimpse of the vision city of Ogdensburg officials have for that parcel.

The state legislature passed legislation and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill earlier this year allowing for the transfer of approximately 56 acres of land on the grounds of the psychiatric center to the city of Ogdensburg for redevelopment. That sale would have to be for fair market value of the property.

It was the latest step in the city's effort to gain control over approximately 160 acres of property on the 400-acre psych center grounds.

The St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center has centralized its operation on the grounds over the past several years, leaving prime real estate bordering the St. Lawrence River and state Route 37 not being utilized and off the tax rolls.

Assemblywoman Russell was joined on the tour of the psychiatric center property by Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley, city councillors Jennifer Stevenson and Tim Davis and St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Executive Director Tim Farrell.

"I was thrilled we were finally able to pass the long-sought legislation to allow the city of Ogdensburg to negotiate with the state for the transfer of that property for redevelopment," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She said a tour of the riverfront property on the St. Lawrence River, just east of the international bridge connecting Ogdensburg and Prescott, Ont., left her excited about the property's future.

"So many Ogdensburg residents have fond memories about being on that property when there weren't the restrictions on public access that there are today," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Right now that property has hardly any value. It's not being used by the psych center," she said, standing in the shadow of a long unused pavilion as geese marched around the vacant parcel.

"This property is well situated for both private development and public use. I don't think it would take a lot to get some of this property back on the tax rolls an benefitting city residents," Assemblywoman Russell added.

Ogdensburg City Manager Sarah Purdy said city officials are also eager to reach an agreement to transfer the parcel from the state to the city.

"The city looks forward to working with state officials to acquire this large land parcel bordering the St Lawrence River. There is so much potential for residential development and public trails. It’s an exciting follow-up to the work already underway to acquire and develop the first parcel legislated to be sold to the city along Route 37," she said.

The latest legislation, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell in the state Assembly, calls for a 50-acre parcel, including nine of 14 buildings on the site, to be transferred to the city at fair market value.

The parcel stretches from the St. Lawrence River shoreline to River Drive between the Bridgeview and Trinity buildings.

That property is being eyed for residential development, and the legislation requires 15 percent of proposed rental units be made available to Office of Mental Health recipients in need of supportive housing.

A separate 6.4 acre parcel, currently under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and Community Services, is being targeted as a site for commercial development.

The city announced in January it had reached an agreement to purchase a separate 45-acre parcel on the psych center grounds for $265,000 from the state's Office of General Services. That property is zoned for light industry and institutional uses.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell examines riverfront property on the grounds of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center that could be transferred to the City of Ogdensburg for redevelopment. She is shown discussing the riverfront property with Mayor Wayne Ashley and City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson.

BOTTOM PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, center, discusses a vacant parcel of property at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center with the psych center's executive director, Tim Farrell. Shown clockwise in the background are city councillors Tim Davis and Jennifer Stevenson and Mayor Wayne Ashley.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Ogdensburg City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson discuss potential uses for vacant riverfront property on the grounds of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center. The state legislature passed legislation and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill earlier this year allowing for the transfer of approximately 56 acres of land on the grounds of the psychiatric center to the city of Ogdensburg for redevelopment.

Orleans supervisor: Assemblywoman Russell led effort to get funding needed for water project

Orleans Town Supervisor Kevin Rarick had high praise for Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell's role in helping the municipality gain the funding it needs to move forward with a municipal water project.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced $29.7 million in grants to support 18 municipal water infrastructure projects in the North Country. including a $3 million grant to the town of Orleans.

The grants are part of the second round of New York State Water Grants funded through the state’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Act.

Orleans town officials have been working to secure funding for a municipal water system to mitigate a number of wells in the community that have salt contamination.

Town officials said earlier this year they needed the additional $3 million in funding to move forward with a $13 million water line project in the vicinity of Route 12 between Alexandria Bay and Fisher's Landing.

Assemblywoman Russell said she is continuing to work to seek funding for the Village of Alexandria Bay to offset costs to the municipality associated with increasing its capacity to meet the needs of the Town of Orleans users.

The Village of Alexandria Bay officials have proposed supplying the Town of Orleans with municipal water. 

"I am ecstatic to hear the news that the pledge state officials made to us several months ago that they would step forward and fill the gap for the town of Orleans is now a reality," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"The residents of the town of Orleans have been dealing with groundwater contamination for too long, and I will continue to track this project to make sure the funding moves forward in as expeditious a manner as possible so the work can get started," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"The crisis in the town of Orleans needs to be fixed immediately. Providing safe drinking water to the residents of Orleans is a sound investment, and the health of our children and families depends on it," she reiterated.

Assemblywoman Russell has previously directed $500,000 toward the project through the state Dormitory Authority.

The town has also been awarded an $11.4 million loan from the state Environmental Facilities Corporation, $500,000 through the North Country Economic Development Council and $100,000 from the state Senate.

She had been a strong supporter as the funding request moved through the regional economic development council process and also had been a strong supporter in the state Assembly for increasing funding for the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, the fund that is the source of the latest $3 million grant.

Town officials have said they face regulations that mean they can only spend $8 million from the loan on the water project.

Following a meeting Assemblywoman Russell attended with other state lawmakers and agency representatives in early February, assurances were made the funding gap would be closed through grant funding.

"I want to thank the Environmental Facilities Corporation for understanding the critical nature of this funding and working with us to make sure the monies were granted for the municipal water system that is of such critical importance to the residents of the town of Orleans," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"We know these water quality issues are a major priority for Gov. Cuomo, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue as well as the measures the state has taken since February to provide bottled water to residents in the town of Orleans and to provide testing of wells in the area impacted by groundwater contamination," she added.

Supervisor Rarick credited Assemblywoman Russell with leading the effort to get the project back on track earlier this year when it slowed down due to bureaucratic hurdles.

"We've had our differences over this, and I said some things that sold some newspapers when I was frustrated by our progress. Addie, to her credit, put those differences aside and kept working with us to get us the money we needed for this project to move forward," he said.

"I think Addie has done very well by the residents of the town of Orleans. She set up the initial meeting that resulted in the state agreeing to fill our funding gap, and Addie got us the most money in the early stages of this process. She deserves a lot of credit," Mr. Rarick added.

The 2016-17 New York State budget includes $100 million in grants for water infrastructure improvements.

This additional funding allowed the Environmental Facilities Corporation to broaden eligibility for wastewater projects and provide a total of $175 million in grants for round two.

In addition, the maximum grant amount for drinking water projects was increased from $2 million to $3 million, or 60 percent of eligible projects costs, whichever is less.

Other communities receiving funding in the latest round of grants awards included:

• Town of Cape Vincent: $622,140 grant toward a $2.4 million drinking water project.
• Town of Clayton: $3 million grant toward a $6.2 million drinking water project.
• Town of Hounsfield: $123,408 grant toward a $205,680 drinking water project.
• Village of Potsdam: $2.68 million grant toward a $10.7 million clean water project.
• City of Watertown: $2.3 million grant toward a $9.2 million clean water project.

More information on how to apply for these loans is available atwww.efc.ny.gov/CLEAN WATERSRF (for wastewater projects)andwww.efc.ny.gov/DRINKING WATERSRF (for drinking water projects).

Assemblywoman Russell: PSC decision set stage for FitzPatrick sale

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, a member of the state Assembly's Energy Committee, issued the following statement following the announcement the Exelon Corporation has agreed to purchase the FitzPatrick nuclear plant in Oswego County:

"This is fantastic news and demonstrates the importance of the clean energy standards adopted by the Public Service Commission in late July. Excelon can step right in and keep the FitzPatrick plant operating. The PSC ruling provided the environment for nuclear production to continue in upstate New York. The supports provided in that decision keep the FitzPatrick plant viable and that means its hundreds of employees will still have jobs after January. I'm also grateful to Exelon for making such a quick decision."

Assemblywoman Russell: Changes needed in Start Up NY to benefit areas like the North Country

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says it is her belief state officials need to rethink the administration of its Start Up NY program to better serve areas of the state like the North Country.

Assemblywoman Russell, a member of the New York State Assembly's Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry, said a session last week that included an appearance by Empire State Development Chief Executive Officer Howard Zemsky didn't provide any surprises.

There are currently no businesses taking part in the Start Up NY programs at SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton.

"The program really needs to be rethought and administered differently if we expect all SUNY campuses and regions of the state to benefit," Assemblywoman Russell said following the meeting.

"The large SUNY schools that already have strong business relationships seem to be the only colleges and universities in the state system benefitting from the Start Up NY program," she charged.

"The testimony at the committee meeting demonstrated that incubators are producing far more jobs at less cost and perhaps that is where our economic dollars should be concentrated," Assemblywoman Russell noted.

She pointed out Clarkson has experienced success with its business incubator program. "I think the SUNY system could take a page out of their book," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell concurred with Mr. Zemsky's assessment that the North Country had fared well through the regional economic development council funding, although she suggested it was simply "catchup" for one of the most ecoomically challenged areas of the state.

She said she was also grateful for the support Empire State Development provided after Alcoa announced it planned to shut down its smelting operations in Massena last year. Alcoa reversed its decision and agreed to keep the smelter operating for an additional two years after receiving a funding package from the state.

But she said the paltry results of the Start Up NY program demanded further scrutiny.

The Start Up NY program offers new and expanding businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in New York State.

State officials have said businesses benefit when they can partner with the colleges and universities and have direct access to advanced research laboratories, development resources and experts in key industries.

Companies participating in Start Up NY are required to be a new business in New York State or an existing New York business relocating to or expanding within the state, agree to partner with a New York State college or university and create new jobs and contribute to the economic development of the local community.

A report issued by Empire State Development over the July 4 weekend revealed the program had led to the creation of 408 jobs over its first two years. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have questioned whether those job numbers justify the cost of the program.

Assemblywoman Russell had raised concerns about the program last month in the wake of the report.

She said at that time she didn't feel the SUNY schools in the North Country had the resources they needed to make a committed effort to utilize Start Up NY on their campuses.

The assemblywoman noted she would like to see the governor look at including funding in the SUNY budget for dedicated program personnel and academic program investments for the Start Up NY if she was going to be able to continue to support the program.

Under questioning from Assemblywoman Russell at last week's committee meeting, Mr. Zemsky said over $50 million had been spent on advertising the Start Up NY, with the majority of the commercials airing in 2014, with approximately 40 percent of those dollars being spent on ads aired in New York State. He testified the advertising campaign was necessary to change the perception that New York State is not a good place to do business.

Assemblywoman Russell suggested Start Up NY advertisements had flooded the airwaves during the 2014 election cycle.

"My constituents are eager to find out what that $50 million turned into. At this point we are not seeing a lot of return on that investment in the North Country. Folks in my area are looking for jobs, not perceptions," she told Mr. Zemsky.

The SUNY personnel at Potsdam and Canton administering the Start Up NY program, for example, also handle a myriad of other responsibilities assigned to their positions.

She again called at the hearing for the state to provide additional funding to SUNY schools for personnel to appropriately administer Start Up NY on their campuses if the program is to continue in its current mode.

Assemblywoman Russell acknowledged she would find it challenging to continue to support the program without those changes.

"I'm not interested in throwing good money after bad when we have such paltry results. I'm not sure if we shouldn't be doing a complete rethink of where this program is housed and how it is operated," she stressed at the committee meeting.

IN THE PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, second from right, questions Empire State Development Chief Executive Officer Howard Zemsky during his recent appearance before the state Assembly's Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry.

Assemblywoman Russell: Multi-year funding will be critical for long-term success of farm-to-school program

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she was pleased with the turnout for a recent meeting in Watertown to discuss the details of the farm-to-school pilot program that will be rolled out in local school cafeterias this fall.

"This meeting and the one we held late last month in Canton are among the last steps we needed to accomplish to put growers together with school food service managers so our students can eat locally grown foods in their school cafeterias this coming school year," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She said the Watertown meeting featured a nice mix of farmers, producers and school officials.

"I didn't know what kind of turnout we would get from our producers, knowing how much time they are having to spend watering their crops during the drought this summer," according to the assembly member.

"We are reaching that point in the growing season when our producers are close to knowing what products they will have to offer schools this year. That's critical because our school food service managers are ramping up for the beginning of the school year," Assemblywoman Russell noted.

She said the discussions at the meetings in Watertown and Canton have also brought out issues that will need to be improved as she seeks to gain support to expand the farm-to-school program statewide.

"We've identified areas where the state can make improvements. We need to get multi-year funding for the farm-to-school program so our farmers can make plans for their crops based on schools' needs, and our school food service managers have a better feel for the availability of local foods for their planning purposes," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"We need to be able to accommodate the schools' schedule, where purchasing and menu decisions are planned months and months in advance of food being placed on the lines in our school cafeterias. The state budget approval comes too late in the planning process for our farmers to prepare for the potential school market for the coming growing season," she added.

The 2016-17 state budget included $300,000 for a farm-to-school pilot program in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. The Adirondack North Country Association has been selected to administer the pilot program.

ANCA will be providing professional support and also have been tasked with data collection and compilation.

"They will be preparing a report based on that data, which will be critical as we try to increase this program in future years and grow it to other parts of the state," according to Assemblywoman Russell, chair of the Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy.

The schools that have been allocated funding from the pilot program in Jefferson County include Alexandria, Indian River, Lafargeville, Lyme, South Jefferson and Watertown.

St. Lawrence County schools that have expressed an interest in participating in the program include Canton, Hammond, Hermon-Dekalb, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Madrid-Waddington, Massena, Norwood-Norfolk, Ogdensburg Free Academy and Potsdam.

Each school will get an allotment of funds ranging from $2,750 to $40,000 for the school year tied to a formula that includes the number of meals served in each school's cafeteria the previous school year.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, left, hands out papers with details of the farm-to school pilot program that will be rolled out at schools in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. Also shown are Josh Bakelaar, director of local economies and agriculture for the Adirondack North Country Association, center, and Watertown Central School Superintendent Terry Fralick.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Farmers and producers from Jefferson County had a chance to meet with local school officials to discuss the implementation of the farm-to-school pilot program this fall. Among those shown are  (l-r),  seated, Lafargeville School Superintendent Travis Hoover, Pat Robbins of Black River Cattle Company and farmer Ken Mix. Standing in the background is Josh Bakelaar, director of local economies and agriculture for the Adirondack North Country Association.

South Jefferson Food Services Director Carol Overton talks about the needs of schools participating in the farm-to-school pilot program this fall. Also, shown clockwise from left, are farmers Mike and Jamie Charlebois, butcher Jordan Brandt of Red Barn Meats.

Farmers and producers review some of the details of the farm-to-school pilot program that will be rolled out at schools in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties this fall. Pictured are, Pat Robbins of the Black River Cattle Company, foreground, and Dani Baker of Cross Island Farm, Wellesley Island. Ms. Baker was joined at the meeting by interns working at the farm this summer.

City officials show Assemblywoman Russell security fence purchased for Dobisky Center dock area

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell made a recent stop in Ogdensburg to see the 450 feet of six-foot security fence that was purchased with $10,000 she helped secure for the city.

The funding was aimed at assisting in the establishment of a secure docking facility at the city's municipal dock. The secure facility will allow cruise ships to make stops in Ogdensburg.

"I learned during my stop in Ogdensburg that the city is continuing to make preparations so it can host large vessels with passengers that need to clear customs. This fencing will not only allow cruise ships to stop in the city, but it also can be used for multiple purposes including security measures for events such as the recently completed Seaway Festival," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She noted the stop at the waterfront near the Dobisky Center also provided city officials an opportunity for her to listen as city officials shared their vision for the area's future.

"It's a beautiful spot surrounded by views of the Fort de la Presentation, the international bridge and the waterfront property just across the river in Canada, including Fort Wellington. City officials are continuing to focus on the waterfront property and steps they can take to help grow the city's economy," she noted.


The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority also assisted in the effort by providing $5,000 to amend the United States Coast Guard's facilities security plan to include the city's municipal dock.

She said the city's effort to improve its waterfront is complemented by the work the OBPA is doing to expand the Port of Ogdensburg.

"Historically, dating back well over 200 years, the confluence of the Oswegatchie and St. Lawrence rivers, played a major role in our nation's trade and national defense. It simply makes sense for the city to continue to work so it can benefit from its strategic location," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell said the need to purchase fencing stemmed from an issue last year when a cruise ship wanted to stop in Ogdensburg, but the lack of a secure docking area prohibited that from happening.

The assemblywoman was joined on her trek to check out the secure fencing and her tour of the waterfront by Mayor Wayne Ashley, city councillors Jennifer Stevenson and Tim Davis, City Manager Sarah Purdy, Planning Director Andrea Smith, Recreation Director Matthew Curatolo and Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Matthew Denner.

Ms. Purdy said it was good to have Assemblywoman Russell have a chance to see the fencing. "She was surprised we already had the fencing and was visibly pleased she was able to see it in use," she said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie Russell stopped in Ogdensburg to get a first-hand look city officials hope will assist them in getting cruise ships headed into the Great Lakes to make a stop in the city. Pictured are (l-r): City Councillor Timothy Davis, Mayor Wayne Ashley, City Manager Sarah Purdy, Assemblywoman Russell and City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited the riverfront during a recent stop in Ogdensburg, and the discussion turned to future plans for the Greenbelt area near the Dobisky Center. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Russell, City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson, City Planning Director Andrea Smith and City Manager Sarah Purdy.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited the riverfront during a recent stop in Ogdensburg, and the discussion turned to future plans for the Greenbelt area near the Dobisky Center. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Russell, City Planning Director Andrea Smith and City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, center, discusses future plans for the Ogdensburg riverfront with Mayor Wayne Ashley and City Manager Sarah Purdy.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited the riverfront during a recent stop in Ogdensburg, and the discussion turned to future plans for the Greenbelt area near the Dobisky Center. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Russell, City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson, City Planning Director Andrea Smith and City Manager Sarah Purdy.