Ritchie Helps Strengthen Ties Between Fort Drum and North Country

State Senator Patty is announcing that she has secured $50,000 to help communities in the North Country strengthen bonds with Fort Drum and assist municipalities in navigating, translating and finding solutions to military issues that may arise.

“This investment will support our region’s efforts to bolster Fort Drum—which is home to 30,000 soldiers and families, and is the state’s largest single-site employer—and the connection between military and civilian communities,” said Senator Ritchie. “I am pleased to secure this funding to help strengthen our relationship with Fort Drum and in the potential case of another round of BRAC, show the nation and military leaders just how important Fort Drum is to not only our region, but our national security.”

The funding will allow the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) to provide community-planning services to municipalities surrounding Fort Drum.

Services include helping develop municipal planning programs and services related to Fort Drum. In particular, a community planner will help towns and villages understand current and future aspects of local community planning activities that may hamper Fort Drum’s ability to carry out its training and mission.

“Senator Ritchie continues to recognize the important role that Fort Drum plays in our region and we are appreciative of her support for this position, which helps create stronger ties between the post and the communities that surround it,” said Development Authority Executive Director James W. Wright. “These ties are important as we all work together to protect the future of Fort Drum.”

This is the fourth consecutive year Senator Ritchie has secured funding for this critical service that had been previously offered by U.S. Army officials before being eliminated due to federal budget cuts.