Aubertine Joins OBPA to Celebrate 50 years, Announce Funding

Senator recognizes the great work of Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, $30k for Building 14

OGDENSBURG (September 27, 2010)—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine today joined the board of the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority and local community leaders to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge and announce a $30,000 legislative grant he secured to make improvements to Building 14 in the industrial park.

“We’re very appreciative of Senator Aubertine’s efforts promoting the Ogdensburg Prescott International Bridge and assisting in job creation at the Ogdensburg Industrial Park through this $30,000 grant,” said Wade Davis, executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. “We are very pleased to have had the Senator here today to celebrate the 50^th anniversary. It was a great time had by all.”

Fred Carter, chairman of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority board, thanked the Senator for his work to secure the funding for the building in the industrial park. He said Sen. Aubertine has always been responsive to the needs of the community.

“Senator Aubertine never stops working for us,” Mr. Carter said. “Today was a landmark day here with the celebration of 50 years with the bridge and we are grateful for all that the Senator has done to help the bridge and port authority and the economy of St. Lawrence County.”

 “This bridge is critical to our economy here in St. Lawrence County, bringing in nearly $1.4 billion in goods annually with half a million vehicles crossing every year,” Sen. Aubertine said. “It truly is an integral piece of our economy now and our future with the industrial park playing a central role in the future. I want to thank Wade Davis, Fred Carter and the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority board for their leadership.”

The Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge was dedicated on Sept. 27, 1960 and is composed of three types of bridge spans: Girder, Truss and Suspension, with an open deck. Its original construction cost $17.3 million 50 years ago and it has undergone no major capital construction since opening.

The $30,000 legislative grant secured by the Senator will be used to create jobs by offsetting expansion costs for new clients in Building 14 of the Ogdensburg Industrial Park. These funds paid for a sprinkler system drops in the unfinished office area, bathrooms and an electrical panel. This funding will help to encourage economic growth in the greater Ogdensburg area.

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