Schumer Pushes to Secure Federal Funds to Help Repair Troubled Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge, Works to Close Funding Gap that is Preventing Vital Improvements from Moving Forward

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced a new push to secure federal funds for vital improvements to the Ogdensburg Bridge. In January, a report by the New York State Attorney General rated the condition of the bridge a 4.3/7 and another recent report indicated that the bridge may only be in "fair condition.' Investments in the bridge project would not only improve safety conditions in the North County but also act as a huge economic shot in the arm for the region. Every year, $1.4 billion in U.S. economic activity crosses the bridge, which supports thousands of American jobs in the North Country- all of which would be impacted if the bridge continues to deteriorate. Schumer acknowledged the practical difficulties in closing the entire funding gap but made the case that investing in the bridge now will save taxpayers and government money in the long run.

"The future of region's economy and the continued operation of the Ogdensburg bridge are locked arm-in-arm together, so we've got to make this work," Schumer said. "Investing in this bridge will be an economic shot in the arm for the entire region and is critical if we hope to turn the economy around and get people back to work."

The Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge has been serving the North Country since its completion in 1960. Each year, the bridge supports $1.4 billion in investments to American economy as consumers, entrepreneurs and businesspeople cross the bridge to do work and purchase goods. Over the last 40 years the bridge has undergone modest improvements but the toll of 500,000 vehicles traveling over the structure every year has taken its toll. In January, the Office the Attorney General released a report on the state of bridges in New York State and gave the bridge a score of 4.3/7, and just weeks ago news reports surfaced indicating that the bridge may only be in "fair to good' condition. The continued deterioration of the bridge puts the thousands of people who use the bridge every day at risk and threatens to serve as a stumbling block to an economic recovery in the North Country.

The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority has consistently sought funding from a variety of sources yet the natural wear and tear on the bridge has increased costs over time. Just some time ago, the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority discovered that the cost of some repairs would come in at a cost of $2 million more than the initial estimate. The bids on the project were more than the New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) estimated. This often happens in large-scale construction as the price of materials changes between the time of the initial estimate and final bids. Officials at the Port Authority have consistently made the case that even a small amount of funding could impact the bridge and save taxpayers money in the long-term. For instance, investments in repainting part of the structure would prevent oncoming rust- a problem that would only cost more to repair in the long term.

Schumer pledged to work with local stakeholders to determine what specific needs the bridge has and how much money new investments would cost. He pledged to work with local officials to secure funding from the federal government so that improvements could be made and the economy of the North Country can begin to make progress. Schumer made the case that investments in Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge would pay dividends for the people of St. Lawrence County. Investments in the bridge will give local businesses added security and create construction jobs for local residents. According to Moody's economist Mark Zandi, $1 in infrastructure spending generates $1.59 in GDP growth.

Schumer said that while it would be impossible to obtain funding to entirely revamp the bridge, he would push for as much as possible through the fiscal year 2011 appropriations process. The funding could be allotted as early as September.

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