Assemblywoman Jenne: T.I. port improvements will benefit wait times, enhance security

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (D-Theresa) says the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday at the Thousand Islands Border Station was an important moment for tourism and commerce in the North Country.

"This project is long overdue and critically important to our region. Our federal partners deserve our thanks for staying committed to making sure this project was funded," she said, offering her thanks to Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for their support of the effort.

She also praised Robert Horr, executive director of the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, for constantly advocating for the renovation work at the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry.

"We have a special relationship in the North Country with our friends north of the border. Our economies are linked, and the work at the port of entry will be beneficial in easing the border crossing process for our Canadian neighbors who play such an important role in our region's commerce and tourism industry," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"The improvements being made at the port of entry will enhance border security efforts as well as improve the efficiency of moving people and products between our two countries," she added.

She also noted work on the planned two-phase $212 million project will also benefit the region's economy during the construction work at the site.

The project will address traffic issues by expanding the queuing area, increasing the number of primary inspection lanes, increasing the area for secondary inspection, providing safer and more secure vehicle parking, and safer, more well-defined truck queuing and maneuvering areas.

The existing port of entry consists of four primary building constructed in 1969 and contains 52,261 usable square feet of office and inspection space.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) awarded a contract to a joint venture between Northland Associates of Liverpool and the Cianbro Corporation, based in Pittsfield, Maine, for the facility-wide modernization and expansion of the U.S. land port of entry at Alexandria Bay, New York.

The phased project is expected to be fully completed in July 2022, with the first phase completed by 2019.

The approximately $260 million project will replace the existing port.

Plans call for the construction of a commercial inspection warehouse with inspection bays, commercial inspection lanes (with split-level booths for either commercial or non-commercial), impound lot, and a portion of the elevated parking over the commercial side.

The second phase, according to the U.S. General Services Administration, includes construction of a new main administration building, a new outbound inspection facility, a new veterinary services building, non-commercial inspection lanes, a new non-commercial secondary inspection plaza, new non-intrusive inspection buildings and employee and visitor parking areas.

IN THE PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for a major expansion project at the Thousand Islands Port of Entry on Wellesley Island.

Assemblywoman Jenne presents citation marking Seaway Valley Prevention Council's 30th anniversary

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (D-Theresa) recently presented the Seaway Valley Prevention Council with a citation from the New York State Assembly marking the agency's 30 years of service to the North Country.

Assemblywoman Jenne visited the agency's headquarters in Ogdensburg on Friday and had an opportunity to meet with coordinators from eight different programs being operated under the auspices of the Seaway Valley Prevention Council.

She pledged to return to Ogdensburg in the coming weeks to continue some of those discussions as she works with her colleagues in Albany to draft legislation to address issues tied to the opioid epidemic in New York State.

The citation noted the agency has been promoting healthy lifestyles to a diverse population since its founding in October 1987.

Assemblywoman Jenne praised agency staff members for demonstrating compassion to those served by the agency and for playing a major leadership role in addressing social issues impacting the North Country.

She said Friday's event marked three decades of the agency offering community education and prevention services in the areas of alcohol and substance abuse.

But Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out the agency has expanded its role over the past 30 years to address other significant social issues in the community ranging from tobacco issues and gambling addiction to youth programming and family and peer services.

The role of the agency, however, has not changed from the initial vision of its founder, the late Dennis Doyle of Helena, and the founding committee.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the Seaway Valley Prevention Council remains committed to improving the future of the community through quality prevention services.

"It is really amazing to see all of the work you are doing. This is not my first time here, and it won't be my last," she said.

"The challenges we face with addiction in our communities are very important to me. Our statistics are staggering in the areas of alcohol and tobacco use and abuse as well as addiction," she said.

Assemblywoman Jenne praised Seaway Valley Prevention Council staff members for their work.

"It is wonderful to see the work you are doing day in and day out. You only need to look at the successes you have had to know what you do every day is making a difference," the assemblywoman noted.

"And know that 20 years from now a child you have worked with that is coming from the most difficult of situations will be making a positive contribution in their community in part due to the role you played in their lives," she added.

She also praised Seaway Valley Prevention Council Director Larry Calkins for the leadership role he has played since joining the agency in 1988.

"It is clear you have established a work culture that values every member of your team. Kudos to you, Larry, for that," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The agency started with four educators, three support staff and a $295,000 budget in the late 1980s. Today, the agency has 18 employees, eight distinct programs and a $1.2 million budget.

Mr. Calkins pointed out the Seaway Valley Prevention Council offers four of the five initiatives the state's Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services unveiled last year in response to findings by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Heroin Task Force.

He said his agency has a peer engagement specialist, a family support navigator, a youth clubhouse in Massena and a regional addiction resource center available to offer locally-based services to support people affected by addiction.

Mr. Calkins noted the fifth initiative, a recovery center, recently opened in Watertown, and the Seaway Valley Prevention Council has a partnership with their peers in Jefferson County.

Other speakers at the anniversary event included board President Dawn Merz and Becky Bateman, a member of the Seaway Valley Prevention Council's founding board of directors.

The council's current programs include:

• Community Services: Pivot Employee Assistance Services, Massena Drug Free Coalition, You(th) Decide Underage Gambling Program and Regional Addiction Resource Center.

• Prevention Services: Teen Intervene, Incredible Years Program and Drug Free Schools and Extended School Day.

• Recovery Services: Youth Clubhouse, Family Support Navigator and Peer Support Services.

• Tobacco Services: Advancing Tobacco Free Communities and Reality Check.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne presents Seaway Valley Prevention Council Board of Directors President Dawn Merz and Director Larry Calkins with a citation from the New York State Assembly marking the agency's 30th anniversary. They are surrounded by agency staff.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne presents Seaway Valley Prevention Council Board of Directors President Dawn Merz and Director Larry Calkins with a citation from the New York State Assembly marking the agency's 30th anniversary. They are surrounded by agency staff.

Long-time Seaway Valley Prevention Council Director Larry Calkins cuts the cake during a celebration marking the agency's 30th anniversary.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne praises Seaway Valley Prevention Council Director Larry Calkins for his long-time leadership of the agency.

Assemblywoman Jenne bill expanding telehealth services to senior facilities signed by Governor Cuomo

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (D-Theresa) has announced legislation she sponsored that will allow for the expansion of telehealth services to adult care facilities licensed by the state has been signed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Assemblywoman Jenne has long seen expansion of telehealth medicine as an important component of expanding access to health care in the North County and around the state.

"Some patients in the North Country are travelling two, three and even four hours to meet with specialists on a regular basis. Those trips are often difficult for patients in good weather, and I know those trips are even more challenging in the winter months," she said.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the new legislation will provide the opportunity for adult care facilities to use telehealth services when they are amenable to a patients' medical needs.

It also will provide an attractive option for more routine medical visits.

"This bill means seniors could connect with their physicians without having to go out in the cold weather or having to sit in a medical office, where they are being exposed to other patients being treated for communicable diseases such as colds and the flu. It could even reduce the need for some patients to be transported to hospital emergency rooms for after hours care," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"This legislation is aimed at making it easier to provide care to seniors who cannot easily travel to a doctor's office," she added. "Internet-based patient care has the potential to be an important tool in providing access for elderly and young patients alike," she said.

The bill (A1464) sponsored by Assemblywoman Jenne amended the public health law by expanding the definition of originating site to allow primary care providers to use telehealth to connect with and provide care to seniors. New York State Senator Sue Serino (R-Hyde Park) sponsored the legislation in the state Senate.

Assemblywoman Jenne said a second bill (A4703) that would allow telehealth services to be used at primary and secondary schools, child care programs and child care centers is awaiting the governor's signature.

"This legislation is important as we move forward with the community school model that sees our schools and child care centers providing our children with far more than educational services.

It allows children to access needed care from school, where they spend most of their time, through telehealth services, she noted.

Assemblywoman Jenne pointed to a study that suggested children with telehealth access from child care or elementary school make 22 percent fewer emergency department visits than closely matched
peers.

She said reimbursement issues have limited the use of telehealth services at schools and child care centers.

"When schools are unable to bill for these services, it often means the use of the service is not financially feasible. By adding schools to the list of originating sites, schools will have a greater ability to consider telehealth services when needed for their students," Assemblywoman Jenne said, noting she is optimistic Governor Cuomo will sign the legislation when it reaches his desk.

Assemblywoman Jenne tours Arconic plant in Massena

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (D-Theresa) took a tour of Arconic's Massena Operations during a stop at the plant earlier this week, saying the visit was extremely beneficial and informative.

The assemblywoman met with Plant Manager Steve Rombough and Human Resources Manager Eowyn Hewey and learned about the facility’s focus on delivering results and increasing the site’s competitiveness.

She also walked through the extrusions and fabricating facilities and had a chance to see some of the products being shipped out of Massena.

Assemblywoman Jenne noted it was her first tour of the plant since Alcoa and Arconic split into two separate companies.

"I've met with Arconic officials in Massena and Albany over the past several months, but this was my first time in the plant since Alcoa split into two companies," the assemblywoman said.

"It's always impressive to see and learn about the work that is being done in the Massena plant. I found it very valuable to have an opportunity to see first hand the products Arconic is making at the Massena Operations and to gain a better understanding of the process," she noted.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she was impressed by the strides Massena Operations has taken to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

Mr. Rombough touted the facility’s continued emphasis on fostering closer relationships with customers, process and productivity improvement. He also said the Massena Operations is manufacturing products using differentiated alloys.

"It's clear local leadership has risen to challenge of making the Massena Operations very competitive on the world stage by remaining flexible to meet customer needs and hitting high quality on time delivery benchmarks," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"It was energizing to see the energy and enthusiasm from the plant manager and his team. The competitive spirit and strength Massena and the North Country have exemplified for generations is certainly alive and well at Arconic's Massena Operations," she pointed out.

"Every time I visit the Alcoa and Arconic plants in Massena I am amazed by the work the employees do on a daily basis," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"They take raw materials - what many of us would describe as dirt and rocks - shipped to Massena from around the world and turn it into shiny polished products that are transported out of Massena to support manufacturing around the country and world," she noted.

"Aluminum alloys produced in Massena are machined into products such as aircraft cargo bay rollers, large diameter artillery shell components and automotive transmission valves," she added.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the skill and dedication of the men and women doing the work is inspiring.

"I'm glad we at the state level have been able to work with Alcoa and Arconic to help keep their Massena Operations competitive. I'm also encouraged by the work Arconic is doing to grow its business in Massena," she said.

Ms. Hewey also reviewed the facility’s efforts to support local community partners like the Boys and Girls Club of Massena, Clarkson University and SUNY Canton.

Arconic Massena produces rod and bar for customers who serve the industrial, aerospace, defense and automotive markets.

Alcoa successfully separated into two companies – Alcoa Corp. and Arconic Inc. - in November 2016. Upon separation, the Massena West forgings and extrusions operations became part of Arconic.

IN THE PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (right) visits with Arconic Massena Operations Plant Manager Steve Rombough and Human Resource Manager Eowyn Hewey following a tour of the facility.

Governor signs three-rod fishing bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Jenne

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, announced that legislation she authored to extend the three-rod rule for fishing in freshwater has been signed by the governor (Ch. 203 of 2017).

The rule allows anglers to use up to three lines at a time and was set to expire by the end of this year.

“The North Country is a renowned destination for outdoor recreation. From fishing to hiking, our region’s natural resources and beauty offer something for everyone,” Assemblywoman Jenne said. "The three-rod rule enhances the fishing experiences of both locals and visitors by increasing their chances of reeling in a catch, and it helps ensure they’ll come again.”

The three-rod rule helps boost recreational fishing, which in turn strengthens the tourism economy and local businesses, she noted.

New York’s three-rod rule extension takes effect immediately and expires on Dec. 31, 2019.

“This three-rod rule is designed to favorably impact the fishing experience by increasing the probability of catching a fish. I'm pleased the governor signed the bill today. Obviously, the three-rod rule will not guarantee that people catch more fish, but it will increase the odds,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She said the three-rod rule benefits everyone from weekend warriors and fishing charters in the North Country to vacationers and retirees who just enjoy spending time with a fishing rod in the water.

Assemblywoman Jenne stressed it is critical to note the three-rod rule will not exploit the fishery since catch limits would remain in effect.

The three-rod rule is already law in Michigan and New Jersey, and both states have seen a favorable impact on recreational fishing in their states.

The assemblywoman initially led the effort to change legislation to three poles in the state Assembly in 2011 and has led the effort for the two-year extenders in 2013, 2015 and again this year.

Assemblywoman Jenne praised for leadership in securing $6 million for SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne announced that the $6 million in state funding she helped secure for the construction of a new childcare center at SUNY Potsdam will benefit parents as well as future educators.

SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin Esterberg said Assemblywoman Jenne’s support was instrumental in moving the project forward.

“The new SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center will be a welcoming space designed to accommodate the needs of our littlest students,” President Esterberg said. “We are so proud to see this project come to fruition and hope that this space will support the youngest members of our community and help foster the next generation of our Potsdam family.”

“SUNY Potsdam is fortunate to have such a strong supporter in our assemblymember, Addie Jenne, and we are grateful for her leadership,” she added.

Assemblywoman Jenne took part in the groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site Tuesday morning. Funding for the project was included in the 2014-15 state budget.

She recalled how she learned of the importance of supporting working parents and nontraditional students through child car, when her own mother began taking courses at SUNY Potsdam when Assemblywoman Jenne was 11 years old. She noted she frequently accompanied her mother to campus.

“Child care is an investment in our future. It’s an integral part of our economy. Our economy doesn’t work if you don’t have a safe, reliable, high quality place to leave your child while you’re working, so you can focus on your job.” Assemblywoman Jenne said. “We’re taking care of our kids for today, but we’re training our workforce for tomorrow. That is extremely important for the long-term health of our region.”

She reiterated the childcare center has a dual purpose. "It provides needed child care for the campus community, students and employees alike, as well as community members, enabling them to either obtain their degree or be successful in the workforce,” according to Assemblywoman Jenne, a mother of two elementary school-age children.

SUNY Potsdam undergraduates and high school students from St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Education Careers Academy, housed on the college campus, also take advantage of internship and practicum opportunities at the child care center.

“The SUNY Potsdam Childcare Center is used as a teaching and learning environment to train future educators and child care providers. It’s a great program for the Potsdam community and a tremendous learning experience for those future teachers,” Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.

“The facility in Merritt Hall that has been used for decades was revamped to become the child care facility, and staff has been creative in adapting it to fit the center’s needs. But this new building is long overdue and will provide amenities for every age group, from infants to school-age children,” she noted.

The new space will offer improved educational and developmental resources, including two outdoor and two indoor play areas for children to enjoy in all seasons.

Assemblywoman Jenne, a member of the state Assembly’s Child Care Work Group, said quality, affordable child care is a critical component that allows parents to go to college or gain and maintain employment while balancing their parenting responsibilities.

In its new location on Outer Main Street across from The Crane School of Music, the 13,000-square-foot SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center building will offer easy access for busy parents to drop off and pick up their children without driving through campus.

The new facility will feature seven classrooms specially designed for every age group served by the center, each with dedicated children’s bathrooms and special rooms as needed, such as sleeping spaces for infants, a changing area for toddlers, a project space for pre-school-age children and a laundry area.

SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center Director Lori Moulton said that the new facility will slightly increase capacity as well. The child care center currently has 98 slots.

Ms. Moulton said she was extremely appreciative of Assemblywoman Jenne's work to secure funding for the project.

“Thank you, Assemblywoman Jenne, for your dedication to children in New York State and for recognizing the need for high quality child care to allow students to go to classes and parents to go to work," she said.

"Thank you for allowing the SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center to have a new facility to continue our mission, which is to serve the child care needs of SUNY students, faculty and staff, New York State employees and the greater community, as well as to provide educational experiences for SUNY students,” Ms. Moulton added.

A day care center opened in 1987 at Merritt Hall under contract with Potsdam Day Care to serve SUNY Potsdam faculty, staff and students. The SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center, Inc., was incorporated in 1990 and broke ties with Potsdam Day Care Center.

The center is based on the philosophy that each child has unique, individual needs and developmental patterns. Experiences planned for the children promote the positive development of emotional, social, intellectual and physical abilities. Curriculum planning focuses on each child’s need to grow and enhances the development of a positive self-image.

Enrollment is on a space-available basis with priority given to SUNY students, faculty, and staff. There is currently a waiting list.

“I’m optimistic this new space will offer greater efficiency for the program and hopefully it will inspire even more students to consider early childhood education and child care as careers,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

“It’s also so important to have quality, affordable child care options for parents wanting to go back to school and further their education. We also know the knowledge that their children are well cared for provides parents with the opportunities they need to be able to go back to school to complete their educations and achieve their career goals,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, left center, and SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin Esterberg, center, toss dirt in the air during a groundbreaking ceremony for SUNY Potsdam's new Child Care Center. (Jason Hunter/SUNY Potsdam Photo)

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, left, hugs SUNY Potsdam Childcare Center Director Lori Moulton during a groundbreaking ceremony for SUNY Potsdam's new Child Care Center. Also pictured is Mouton's granddaughter, Raelynn Gushea, 8 months.

From left, Bette & Cring Project Manager Joseph Cring, Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, Bette & Cring Assistant Project Manager Richard Cring, SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin Esterberg, SUNY Potsdam Assistant Facilities Program Coordinator Roy Smith, Kristofer Norrell, 7, Raelynn Gushea, 8 months, SUNY Potsdam Childcare Center Director Lori Moulton, SUNY Potsdam Assistant Vice President for Facilities Andy Martin, Childcare Center Board President Roberta Greene, Child Care Center pre-school teacher Brenda Kuiken.

Construction is underway on the SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center board members, employees and parents during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new building on Tuesday morning on the SUNY Potsdam campus.

Assemblywoman Jenne pleased by Massena man's appointment to NNY Power Proceeds Allocation Board

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne congratulated Ian R. Maxwell on his appointment to the Northern New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo appointed Maxwell as the fifth and final member of the board earlier this month.

Mr. Maxwell will attend his first meeting as a board member on Tuesday.

The 2010 graduate of Clarkson University, is employed as a technical sales representative for  DeFelsko Corporation, Ogdensburg, where he is responsible for software product development, as well as managing the distributor sales network in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East.

He was recommended for the seat by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl J. Heastie following consultation with Assemblywoman Jenne.

The legislation establishing the five-member power proceeds board calls for one of the board members to be appointed upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the Assembly and a second board member to be appointed upon the recommendation of the temporary president of the senate. Both of those members must reside in St. Lawrence County.

"I'm pleased the Speaker saw the importance of recommending a young professional like Ian to the governor for an appointment to this board, which has the potential to be another important tool in our economic development efforts," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"I think it is important to have a fresh voice sitting at the table with the seasoned members as this board works to enhance the economic development opportunities in the North Country," she noted.

"Ian graduated from Massena Central High School and Clarkson University and has chosen to remain in the North Country to begin his professional career here, where he is active in the local community," Assemblywoman Jenne added.

"The Speaker shares my belief that it is important to give seats at the table to fresh faces as we make decisions aimed at providing employment opportunities to grow our local economy and to help stem the brain drain that has resulted in so many of our young people leaving the area to find employment with a livable wage. Ian will be able to bring the perspective of the young professional wanting to make his career in the North Country to those discussions," she noted.

Mr. Maxwell helped  launch the Massena Visionaries – a grassroots organization working to
foster community pride through volunteerism - in 2014. He has also served since September 2015 on the Moving Massena Forward Coalition and is on the board of directors for the Massena Arts and
Theater Association.

He graduated from Clarkson University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, focusing on Business Technology Management: Entrepreneurship.

Assemblywoman Jenne noted she also felt it was important to have someone from Massena on the power proceeds board. Massena, a municipality with a significant portion of its waterfront property on the St. Lawrence River controlled by federal and state entities, hosts the St. Lawrence-FDR Project.

The Northern New York Power Proceeds Act, which Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law in December 2014, authorizes NYPA to deposit the net earnings from the sale of a block of unallocated electricity from the Power Authority’s St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project. The fund has already accrued nearly $2 million.

The board is charged with soliciting and reviewing funding applications from businesses and not-for-profit organizations in St. Lawrence County.

It is expected to begin making recommendations next week for funding allocations to the NYPA Board of Trustees, which would approve any funding.

Eligibility criteria and application instructions are at the proceeds board’s website at www.nypa.gov/NNYPPAB.

The proceeds board will rely on similar criteria for determining funding recipients as those for NYPA’s hydropower allocations to Northern New York businesses. They include jobs, capital investments and the long-term commitments to the region of applicants.

Other members of the power proceeds allocation board appointed by Governor Cuomo are Patrick Kelly, chief executive officer of the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency; Robert McNeil, partner in McNeil Accounting Services, Lisbon, and former St. Lawrence County treasurer; Theresa Phalon, president and CEO of North Country Savings Bank; and Roger Sharlow, principal of RJS Consulting, Waddington.