Ritchie Helps Ogdensburg Purchase Much Needed Equipment

State Senator Patty Ritchie has secured $100,000 in state funding to help the St. Lawrence County City of Ogdensburg purchase a new front-end loader for its Department of Public Works (DPW).

The city has been without a front-end loader for a significant amount of time and in recent years, the need for this particular piece of heavy equipment has grown.  The DPW says the new machine is used in almost every aspect of its core mission, including the city’s brush pick-up program, the removal of storm debris, winter snow removal and road maintenance.

“All across our region, municipal budgets are stretched thin and unfortunately, the new state budget does little to provide any extra relief. As such, being able to secure funding to allow our communities to successfully accomplish their day-to-day requirements is now more important than ever,” said Senator Ritchie.

“This piece of heavy machinery will allow the city of Ogdensburg to maintain the safety of its roads and continue improve the quality of life for its residents. I am pleased to help the city accomplish both of these goals.”

“The city’s Department of Public Works has needed a new front-end loader for quite some time now, but the city has not been able to afford a new one,” City of Ogdensburg Manager Sarah Purdy said. “Senator Ritchie’s assistance in securing a grant for the city in order to obtain this heavy equipment has been essential, and the city greatly appreciates her help.”

This grant is just one way in which Senator Ritchie is helping the City of Ogdensburg better serve its residents in 2019.  Earlier this year, she secured grants allowing the city’s fire department to purchase natural gas detectors and for its public library with funding to improve and expand offerings to patrons.