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.

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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. “

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Statement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell regarding SUNY Canton

For Immediate Release: July 29, 2011

SUNY Canton educates many North Country residents, is a large employer and major component
of the fabric of Canton and the entire St. Lawrence County community. The sudden revelations
that the president of SUNY Canton, Dr. Joseph Kennedy, is leaving are concerning. Sudden
changes of this magnitude result in confusion, lack of confidence, can have a negative effect on
support from private sources, result in the loss of momentum for great initiatives and can end up
costing more money, not to mention the potential loss of talent at the college.
“The rumors of Dr. Kennedy’s departure are of great concern to me. I have worked with him for
several years now, and know how talented he is and of his tremendous record of positive growth at
the college,” Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said. “I support SUNY’s efforts to find internal
efficiencies and save money,” she added. “However, I find the suggestion made by the Canton
College Council to form a committee to study the areas where the campuses can share services or
coordinate more efficiently to be very reasonable,” she stated.
Assemblywoman Russell has been in contact with SUNY’s administration to voice these concerns.
“I have been assured by SUNY that there have been no final decisions made regarding how the
campuses will be tasked with finding ways to work together and cut costs – everything is said to be
on the table for discussion,” she relayed. “SUNY welcomed my comments and point of view, and I
am pleased and grateful that they were receptive,” she said. “I advised them that Dr. Kennedy is an
outstanding president, and that I hoped he would continue to be the president of SUNY Canton,”
said Russell. The assemblywoman will continue a dialogue with SUNY to provide the North
Country’s perspective and concerns to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees.

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