Cny Trade Zone Expansion Will Help Oswego Port

Makes Region More Attractive to New Business, Jobs

State Senator Patty Ritchie is describing a bill she cosponsored with Senator John DeFrancisco to expand Central New York’s Foreign Trade as a way to help Oswego County businesses compete for new jobs and businesses in the global market.

The bill, S. 6471, which authorizes Onondaga County’s Zone to collaborate with Oswego, Cayuga and Madison counties, received final passage by the Senate today.

“Imports and exports are a major source of growth and new jobs for businesses across Central New York,” Senator Ritchie said. “Including the Port of Oswego in the Foreign Trade Zone can help businesses looking to grow in Central New York compete for international trade.”

“A recent study showed the Port of Oswego already supports over 500 jobs and $38 million in business,” Senator Ritchie said. “I am hoping that this bill will help the Port of Oswego work with  companies from across Central New York that are looking for new customers and opportunities.”

“A lot of people don’t realize that the Port of Oswego has become one of the economic engines of Central New York by helping companies reduce their transportation costs,” said Oswego Port Director Jonathan Daniels. “We would like to thank Senator Ritchie for working with us to provide this new opportunity to help the Oswego area attract new business and jobs to our area.”   

Last year, Senator Ritchie led the effort to expand the Port of Ogdensburg’s Foreign Trade Zone to include all of St. Lawrence County, a move that is expected to lead to economic and job growth in the region.

The bill will be sent to the Governor for his approval.