Assemblywoman Jenne hosts Assembly Speaker Heastie on North Country visit

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie joined Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne Wednesday in the North Country on his third stop of a statewide tour of New York to experience the region's tourism attractions during a trip to the Antique Boat Museum and Boldt Castle and witness first-hand the damage caused by recent historic flooding along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River coastlines.

"The North Country has an abundance of exciting tourism opportunities, particularly for boating enthusiasts," Heastie said. 

"The region has tremendous potential for economic development through tourism, but we must ensure that the communities affected by the recent Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River flooding are able to get back on their feet. Our $55 million investment to create a flood recovery grant program will help do just that."

"I was pleased to have the speaker in the district so he could get a first-hand look at one of our region's greatest assets, the St. Lawrence River," Assemblywoman Jenne said. 

"We spent the day looking at the river and its impact on our local economy. The speaker had an opportunity to see our region's ties in the past to the boat building industry with a stop at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, got a first-hand look at the present conditions as we headed out on the water and saw some of the impact of the high water levels and looked at steps that can be taken to grow jobs tied to our river heritage in the future."

The North Country encompasses the coastline of Lake Ontario as well as the St. Lawrence River and attracts countless passionate boaters, sailors and fishermen. During Wednesday's trip, Speaker Heastie and Assemblywoman Jenne visited the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, a national institution for boating enthusiasts and a historical and cultural landmark for North American maritime heritage.

Following their visit to the Antique Boat Museum, Speaker Heastie and Assemblywoman Jenne visited the Boldt Yacht House and the Boldt Castle. Located in Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands, the Boldt Castle Yacht House has been a premier attraction in the region until, however, the facility was forced to close for the season due to flooding damage.

In late June, the Assembly passed legislation to establish a $55 million flood recovery grant program to assist small businesses, farms, property owners, and municipalities. The funding will bring relief to communities and businesses like the Boldt Castle Yacht House to recover from flood damage so that they can continue to make substantial economic and cultural contributions to the region.

"Speaker Heastie was very supportive of our efforts to bring flood relief funding to the North Country to assist businesses and property owners impacted by the flooding, and this trip provided him with an opportunity to see first-hand some of the challenges that have resulted from the high water levels. The residents of New York State only benefit from the Speaker's willingness to travel the state to get a better understanding of the unique challenges facing different regions of our state," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Rick Tague (center), chair of the Antique Boat Museum Board of Directors, discusses the impact high water levels had on the museum property earlier this year with New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (left) and Assembly Speaker Addie A.E. Jenne (right).

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Shane Sanford (right), director of Boldt facilities operations for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, shows Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne how high water levels reached earlier this spring at the Boldt Castle Yacht House property on Wellesley Island.

Shane Sanford (right), director of Boldt facilities operations for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, shows Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie water that is still over a dock at the Boldt Castle Yacht House.

Shane Sanford (right), director of Boldt facilities operations for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, shows Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne that water levels are still posing some issues inside the Boldt Yacht House on Wellesley Island. The yacht house has been closed this tourism season due to the high water levels.

Rebecca Hopfinger (right), executive director of the Antique Boat Museum, discusses an exhibit with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne.

Thousand Islands Bridge Authority Boldt Facilities Director Shane Sanford, Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie pose for a photograph on the steps of Boldt Castle.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Waddington taking advantage of location on St. Lawrence River to move forward

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne says this week's Bassmaster Elite Series fishing tournament in Waddington will once again showcase one of the greatest fisheries in the world.

"This is the third time in five years Waddington has hosted the event that attracts over 100 professional anglers and thousands of visitors to the community for the four-day event," she noted.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the Bassmaster Elite Series stops in Waddington have brought the nation's attention to the world-class fishery that runs along the northern border of St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

"It's no secret that we have to diversify our North Country economy, and our unique geographic location on the shores of the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River provides us with opportunities few other communities in North America can match," she said.

She praised Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada and the volunteers that work behind the scenes to make the event a positive experience for fishermen and visitors alike.

"Janet and her committee deserve tremendous credit for their work. It is not an accident that the Bassmaster Elite Series keeps putting Waddington on their tournament schedule. It's a reflection of the hospitality shown the professional fishermen when they are in the region and the community support for the event," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"It's far more than a fishing tournament although it is exciting to watch the boats launch at 6:15 a.m. each morning and return for weigh ins beginning at 3:15 p.m. It's also four days of great food, good music and plenty of vendors on the site," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out the tournament is being held during the same week that a new pavilion at Island View Park was opened to the public.

She said a relicensing agreement between New York Power Authority and the Local Government Task Force is providing funding necessary to improve recreational opportunities in the towns of Waddington, Louisville and Massena.

Assemblywoman Jenne joined Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Patty Ritchie and Mayor Otto-Cassada earlier this week to cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the new pavilion that will be used for a variety of events, including the community's popular summer concert series, just a few blocks away from the Whittaker Park site that hosts the Bassmaster events.

The ribbon cutting marked the completion of more than $1.4 million in improvements at Island View Park, a recreation and picnic facility in the Village of Waddington. The improvements include the picnic pavilion with a central hearth, and a separate building containing new bathrooms and catering facilities.

Island View Park is part of several recreational facilities that fall within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's project boundary for the New York Power Authority's St. Lawrence-FDR Hydropower Plant in Massena.

Work on the Island View Park facilities, which began last fall, stemmed from the Power Authority's 10-year review of the 2003 Relicensing Agreement for the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project. NYPA, who owns and operates the park, funded the renovations and directed the improvement project.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she was stunned as she walked up and saw the completed pavilion. "I can still remember the early days of this project when Janet rolled out three or four different ideas, and she has made sure the project met the community's needs. It's just amazing. I can't think of a better platform for Waddington to move forward. This is proof we can get it done. I suspect this is just the beginning of many wonderful things that are happening in Waddington," she noted.

"I was pleased to be on hand to celebrate the Power Authority's latest investments in our community. Community resources like these have the double impact of supporting economic development while also making life in the North Country that much nicer for those of us who live, work and enjoy the recreational opportunities available in the community." according to the assemblywoman.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she is excited to see the next projects that will be completed through the partnership between the Power Authority and the Local Government Task Force.

She believes the drive of local officials and completion of these projects puts the region in a stronger standing when seeking to attract major events like this week's major fishing tournament.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Boats launch from Whittaker Park at the 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series in Waddington.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada (r) shares her vision for future improvements on the community's waterfront with Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul (l) and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne praises Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada for her work that culminated with the opening of a new pavilion at Island View Park earlier this week.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with Gouverneur Mayor Ronald P. McDougall and Waddington Town Supervisor during the grand opening ceremony for the new pavilion at Island View Park.

State and local officials pose with NYPA Board of Trustees Vice Chair Eugene L. Nicandri after a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new pavilion at Island View Park in downtown Waddington. NYPA recently funded $1.4 million in recreational improvements at the park in downtown Waddington on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, Judge Nicandri, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada and State Senator Patty Ritchie.

A competitor in the 2015 Bassmasters Elite Series tournament in Waddington prepares to leave the dock.

Assemblywoman Jenne: North Country schools getting $600,000 more in supplemental state aid

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, has announced over half a million dollars of supplemental school aid is headed to North Country school districts.

The funding for supplemental aid was passed in a resolution at the close of this year’s legislative session, after Jenne successfully advocated on behalf of schools in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

"I'm grateful that Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie understands the challenges facing our public schools in New York State and ensured additional funding is available to assist some of our schools with the greatest needs. He recognizes the critical importance of providing all students in the state – whether they are in the Bronx or in rural areas like St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties – with access to a high-quality education," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She noted the supplemental aid is critical for a number of North Country school districts still recovering from several years of fiscal stress that resulted in the loss of educational programs, larger class sizes and reductions in staffing that impacted some schools' abilities to provide their students with a quality education,

The assemblywoman has consistently fought for additional funding for schools that have the highest needs.

"I advocated to have supplemental aid targeted to North Country districts that face particular challenges due to the dynamics of their student populations. Small city schools have traditionally been underfunded and benefit greatly from the additional funding. We have other schools in the region, like Canton, that were hit hard by the GEA cuts," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The Ogdensburg City School District has been awarded an additional $300,000 in state aid and an additional $100,000 has been secured for the Watertown City School District.

"The Ogdensburg school district has a large percentage of tax-exempt property and high levels of poverty. OFA Superintendent Tim Vernsey has told me in the past that without the nearly $1.5 million in supplemental aid I have secured for his district in recent years, district officials would have been forced to make deep cuts to the district's music and art programs and to reduce AP class offerings," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Mr. Vernsey said he was grateful for Assemblywoman Jenne's advocacy in getting additional state aid appropriated to the district.

"Assemblywoman Jenne's support of the Ogdensburg City School District is longstanding and very much appreciated. Her financial assistance over the years has helped Ogdensburg maintain several key programs that allow our students to get the most out of an excellent liberal arts education," he said. "Her work on behalf of the entire North Country has been positive throughout her tenure as our representative in the Assembly," the OFA school superintendent stressed.

Watertown City School Superintendent Patrica LaBarr said she was thrilled to learn additional funds were headed to the North Country.

"This was Christmas in July for the Watertown City School District. Our next board of education meeting is on Aug. 1, and we will discuss the best use of this money in supporting our students. We are beyond grateful for the support from Addie Jenne to help our school and community.”

Eight schools – Alexandria, Lyme, Canton, Hammond, Heuvelton, Massena, Morristown and Norwood-Norfolk – will each receive $25,000.

"I have always fought to make sure our schools in the North Country get their fair share of state aid so they have the resources necessary to provide students with a quality education," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"Our North Country schools did well with state aid in this budget, but many of our school districts are still recovering from years of fiscal challenges. That's why I have continued to work to secure additional funding for schools in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties after the budget negotiations were completed," she added.

"We know that small city schools are traditionally underfunded. There are also a number of other districts in the region that have challenges ranging from high percentages of tax-exempt property to schools classified as average-needs districts that have their state aid revenues skewed due to valuable waterfront property values that don't take into account the high levels of poverty in those same communities," Assemblywoman Jenne continued.

Massena Central School Superintendent Patrick Brady said the funding will be utilized to help pay for a study as well as to aid the district's community schools effort.

"We appreciate Addie’s continued support of our students and staff in Massena. She has been a great friend to our school," he said. "We plan to use some of the funding to support a school consolidation feasibility study, which is examining our programs and operations to enhance quality and efficiency. This work will begin this summer and include a host of school and community members to provide input."

"We would also use funding to support our Community Schools initiative to provide additional supports to our students and families. This may include afterschool programming, mental health services and educational resources," Mr. Brady added.

Former Heuvelton Central School Superintendent Susan Todd, who received news of the additional funding on the day before her retirement from the district, said the allocation will be utilized to purchase new tables and chairs for the high school section of the school cafeteria as well as for equipment for classrooms.

Ms. Todd said Assemblywoman Jenne had asked her about needs that might have been delayed due to budget constraints.

"I explained that an area that continued to be put on the back burner for districts like mine was the replacement of furniture, since there is no state aid revenue source allotted for items such as the cafeteria tables that are in really bad shape and are in need of being replaced at Heuvelton," Todd said.

The outgoing superintendent added she was appreciative of Assemblywoman Jenne's advocacy for providing the necessary resources to public schools so districts such as Heuvelton can provide a quality education to their students.

Alexandria Central School Superintendent George Merritt pledged to use the additional funding to improve the educational experience for students in the district. He said the supplemental funds will be utilized to continue the district's new venture, MakerSpace opportunities. The program will revolutionize science, technology, engineering and math labs and allow students a dynamic new learning experience.

MakerSpaces frequently include elements found in computer labs, science labs and wood shops in a single space. Mr. Merritt said his district 's MakerSpaces will range from Lego projects for younger students to CNC cutter and plastic modeling tools and equipment for older students.

Lyme Central School Superintendent Cammy Morrison said she envisions utilizing the supplemental aid for making improvements to the district's outdated public address and telephone systems.

"We at Lyme remain grateful for the ongoing support from Assemblywoman Jenne. We are in desperate need of upgrading our communication systems in the district. Our gymnasium is also our auditorium and that wide open space, along with very old and outdated equipment, presents all kinds of issues for drama productions, graduation ceremonies, staff development and academic presentations by and for students," Ms. Morrison said.

"In addition, we would also hope to utilize at least a portion of those funds for updating our telephones throughout the district. We have recently been notified by our vendor that our telephones are now considered obsolete and can no longer be repaired or replaced. This is a huge expense for the district and one that was not planned," she added.

Lafargeville Central School Superintendent Travis Hooper said he was excited when he learned the district would be receiving supplemental aid. He expressed the district's gratitude for Assemblywoman Jenne's work to have additional aid directed to the district. He said the funding will be used for technology upgrades.

"This funding is going to allow us to upgrade our wireless infrastructure so we will be able to move forward with a 1:1 initiative at the secondary school," Mr. Hooper said, noting the district will be providing Chrome Books for all students in grades 7-12.

Assemblywoman Jenne congratulates Sergi's owner for 50 years on Potsdam's Market Street

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne stopped at Sergi's Pizzaria and Banquet Hall Friday afternoon to congratulate Sam Spagnolo on the Market Street restaurants 50 years in Potsdam. Assemblywoman Jenne also visited with Teresa LaSala and John Wicke before entering the restaurant. The assemblywoman stopped in downtown Potsdam Friday afternoon to check out the Potsdam Summer Festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week.

Assemblywoman Jenne applauds multimillion dollar investment in North Country infrastructure

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, says an announcement that over $7.5 million is being invested to pave and repair aging roads in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties this summer is critical to stimulating economic growth as well as improving traffic safety in the region.

“An investment in infrastructure is an investment in our future. This funding will strengthen existing economic development initiatives and provide good-paying construction jobs. We know those wages will also benefit North Country businesses," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"There have been a number of studies in recent years about steps that need to be taken to revitalize the North Country economy. Those studies all cite the importance of a high quality transportation network, and these millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements are an important part of that effort," she noted.

This sizeable state investment will be used to make critical repairs on local roads and highways in Jefferson County, including:

· 9.7 miles on Route 37 between Route 342 and Silver Street in the towns of Pamelia and LeRay ($1.3 million);

· 4.4 miles on Route 283 between the Watertown city line and Route 342 in the towns of Pamelia and LeRay ($715,000);

· 8 miles on Route 180 from Route 3 to Dexter in the town of Hounsfield ($600,000);

· 1.6 miles on Route 3 between Floral Drive and the Watertown city line in the town of Watertown ($535,000); and

· 3.3 miles on Route 37 between West Corners and the Alexandria town line in the town of Theresa ($490,000).

In addition, the funding will be used to update and repair the following roads and local highways in St. Lawrence County:

• 8.5 miles on Route 37 between Morristown and Ogdensburg in the city of Ogdensburg and town of Oswegatchie ($1.2 million);

• 7 miles on Route 11C between Brasher Falls and Cotey Corners in the towns of Brasher and Lawrence ($1.2 million);

• 10.8 miles on Route 12 from the St. Lawrence County line to Chippewa Bay in the town of Hammond ($1.1 million);

and 1.5 miles on Route 11C between Winthrop and Brasher Falls in the towns of Stockholm and Brasher ($260,000).

The work is part of $25.9 million that is being spent on for projects to pave and repair 194.1 lane miles of state roads in the seven-county North Country region this summer and fall.

Assemblywoman Jenne has been a strong advocate for repairing New York State’s crumbling infrastructure. She supported a $643 million investment in our roads and bridges In this year’s state budget to ensure New Yorkers can get where the need to go safely and efficiently.