Assemblywoman Russell: Bill would bring in federal funding, revitalize area waterfronts 

A bill authored by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) to designate the Chaumont River and Chaumont Bay as inland waterways has passed the Assembly (A.6413). The designation would make these areas eligible for Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) waterfront revitalization grants.

“The St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario draw tourists from all over the country, accounting for a large segment of the North Country’s economy and job market,” Russell said. “This bill will enhance our natural assets, in turn attracting more tourists, supporting jobs and injecting much needed money into the region.”

Clayton Town Supervisor Justin Taylor said: “This legislation opens up our opportunities for the very real possibility of beneficial grants for the beautiful Chaumont river basin, grants that were previously not possible. This legislation brightens the future for the whole region.”

Russell cited other North Country projects that have already benefited from the EPF’s grant program, including:

• $505,000 for Phase III of the Black River Rediscovery Project in the city of Watertown;
• $165,000 for the Oswegatchie River and Cranberry Lake Access Points and Interpretive Information Project in the town of Clifton;
• $80,700 for the Raquette River Corridor in the village of Potsdam;
• $35,000 for the Clayton Riverwalk in the town of Clayton;
• $35,000 for the Ogdensburg LWRP Revision in the city of Ogdensburg, and
• $55,000 for the Black River Blueway Trail Project in the town of Martinsburg.

“I urge the Senate and governor to pass this important legislation and give the North Country another tool to boost our economy,” Russell said. “In the meantime, I will continue working to ensure our communities receive the funding and support they need to recover from this recession and thrive for generations.”