By JIMMY LAWTON

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council hopes to secure $3.9 million for projects in Ogdensburg and Massena that could help create 121 jobs.

The council hopes to secure funding for an expansion at Seaway Timber Harvesting, Inc. in Massena, improvements at the Ogdensburg Airport, and improvements at Hoosier Magneticsin Ogdensburg.

That’s according to a recently released NCREDC progress report, which highlights the 23 priority projects it hopes to secure funding for as part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s competitive grant program implemented in 2011.

This year, about $150 million will be available for projects throughout the state.

50 Jobs in Massena

In Massena, Seaway Timber Harvesting, Inc. hopes to create 50 new jobs at its facility.

The council is seeking $3 million in funding on the company’s behalf as part of $12 million project.

The project includes a new manufacturing facility for a sawmill, plus pallet, wood shavings, and briquette production.

According to the project description, the facility will be an outlet for loggers in the region to sell their logs. Currently, the majority of logging production is shipped directly to Canada, with no value added, and at considerable additional cost for transportation.

“Additionally, there is currently limited pallet manufacturing capacity in the region, and this project will replace pallet imports from Georgia and satisfy local business demands. Finally, the project will allow Curran Renewable Energy, an affiliated company, to expand its wood pellet heating fuel business,” the description says.

67 Jobs in Ogdensburg

As the Ogdensburg airport gears up for its massive runway expansion, it must also improve the existing terminal.

The council hopes to secure $657,000 in funding for a new baggage claim area and a new baggage handling system, and improvements to the ticketing and departure lounge area at the terminal.

The project will create a gateway for Canadian fliers seeking alternatives to more expensive Canadian airports, according to the project description.

“There is a significant potential market in the Prescott to Ottawa corridor, and drawing it to Ogdensburg could have a substantial impact on service and hospitality businesses in the region,” the description says.

The total project cost is $3.29 million

Retain 31, Create 4 Jobs

The council is also seeking $243,362 to complete a $1.2 million project at Hoosier Magnetics. The investment would aid in the retention of 31 existing jobs and add an additional four, according to the project description.

The funding would aid in the construction of a new calcination kiln for the production of ferrite powder, an advanced material used in the automotive industry.

The new kiln will allow for higher and more efficient production rates, improved energy efficiency, improved dust collection, and safer operations.

“The project will support the retention of a worldwide leader in ferrite powder production, and the high-paying skilled jobs that exist at the plant,” the proposal states.