Letter to Deputy Administrator Middlebrook - Upgrades Will Support Tourism And Maintain Seaway Operations Critical To Regional Economy

Letter

Dear Deputy Administrator Middlebrook:

I write to express my support for the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) Asset Renewal Program (ARP) to provide the critical maintenance of the Seaway's navigation infrastructure and tourism facilities in upstate New York. In addition to being an integral component of the Great Lakes transportation system, the Seaway is a major attraction for tourism in Massena, N.Y. However, the existing Dwight D. Eisenhower Lock Visitors' Center located at the Seaway is nearly 60-years old and in a state of complete disrepair. I urge you to continue to make investments in the critical navigation and economic development projects that are part of the Seaway's ARP, including the Eisenhower Lock Visitors' Center.

As you know, more than 60,000 people from 49 states and 21 countries visited the Eisenhower Lock during the summer months last year and the Visitors' Center provides historical displays on the Seaway and observation decks for tourist to watch vessel transiting the locks. But the nearly 60-year old Visitors' Center is falling apart and unable to adequately or safely welcome the region's visitors. Currently, the aged building is located too close to the locks making it impossible for a crane to safely fit between the center and jeopardizing the lock's operational safety. Further, the center lacks basic 21st century amenities and has limited space to host visitors, employees, and residents of upstate New York.

A new visitors' center is not only necessary in order to ensure important safety upgrades for the lock operations and visitors, but it will also create a tremendous opportunity for tourism in St. Lawrence County. The new center will accommodate an increasing number of visitors and provide guests with amenities such as running water, restrooms and concessions, and ADA compliance granting better access to all visitors. By providing space for public meetings, cultural exhibits and concession area for businesses to sell goods, the new center will provide tremendous resources for the local community. Further, the new center will be constructed an appropriate distance from the lock to ensure operation safety.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. The Saint Lawrence Seaway is a critical component of the transportation system that directly serves an eight-state, two-province region that accounts for one-quarter of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), one-half of North America's manufacturing and services industries, and is home to nearly one-quarter of the continent's population. It is an incredible opportunity to continue to welcome more than 60,000 visitors in Massena, N.Y. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff.

Charles E. Schumer

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