Ritchie Hosts Senator Tom Croci In Tour of Thousand Islands Region

State Senator Patty Ritchie took part in a series on meetings on Thursday aimed at strengthen the border between the United States and Canada. 

Joining Senator Ritchie at these meetings was State Senator Tom Croci, who serves as chair of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee.  The two Senators spent a portion of the day at the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, where officials highlighted the role the region has with cross-border trade and how vital it is to maintain the current infrastructure to help keep this major trade corridor thriving.

“The North Country has such a special relationship with our friends north of the border and this bond plays such an important role in the advancement of the economy across the region and the state,” said Senator Ritchie.  “I would like to thank Senator Croci for visiting the area to see firsthand how important it is to make investments that protect and upgrade the infrastructure in our region, which will allow trade between Canada and the U.S. to continue to grow and strengthen the economies between these nations.

Senator Croci said, "The safety and security of the People of the State of New York is the principal responsibility of our Government.  While New York remains one of the most sought after terrorist targets, we also continue to be a global hub of international business and commerce. Through the cooperation of local authorities and our federal partners, our economy can continue to grow while maintaining New York State’s security integrity.  I thank Senator Ritchie for inviting us to her district, and all of the dedicated public servants who spent time with us during our recent visit."       

In addition, Senators Ritchie and Croci also toured Fort Drum, home to the 10th Mountain Division, the most deployed unit in the Army.  While at the post, military officials spoke about the importance of the installation, as it is the largest single-site employer in the Northeast and a massive economic driver for the region.  Fort Drum officials also noted the post’s emergency preparedness equipment and their ability to assist neighboring communities during times of crisis.         

(Attn. photo editors: Senator Ritchie is joined in the attached photo with Senator Tom Croci and  officials from the US Customs and Border Protection, with a photo of a new proposed Customs Station)