Letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army Civil Works Doug Lamont - Reiterating my support for the deepening of the Ogdensburg Harbor under the Continuing Authorities Program, Section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960

Letter

I write to reiterate my support for the deepening of the Ogdensburg Harbor under the Continuing Authorities Program, Section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960. This project, which will deepen the harbor to seaway depth, is of critical importance to the North Country's economy. It is my hope that you will swiftly sign the recently completed Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) between Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers so the project may proceed to the implementation phase.

Located at the mouth of the Oswegatchie River in Ogdensburg, NY, the Ogdensburg Harbor is home to the only U.S. port on the St. Lawrence River, the first U.S. port on the St. Lawrence Seaway, and is the northernmost port in New York State. Owned and operated by the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, the Port of Ogdensburg provides a full range of terminal services and generates over $4 million annually in direct revenue.

Last dredged in 1984, lack of depth causes unnecessary congestion, increased handling costs and lost business opportunities. Without deepening the harbor, transportation cost could increase between $670,000 and $820,000 annually or at worst, the port could close to commercial traffic.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers' and the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority's Project Partnership Agreement proposes navigation improvements by deepening and widening the Lower East Channel and Lower Basin to 27 feet. When funded, the deepening of the harbor will increase capacity, reduce costs and expand and diversify traffic at the port. It is my hope that you will dedicate the appropriate resources to examine and approve this critical project.

Thank you for your consideration of this important project. The Ogdensburg Harbor plays a key role in the regional economy; keeping this harbor navigable and maintained will ensure that Northern New York and St. Lawrence Seaway will continue to see the benefits associated with Ogdensburg Harbor in the years to come.

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