OGDENSBURG -- Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell says regional competitions for state funding are diverting money from public works projects throughout the North Country, which has been ravaged by cold temperatures.

“Money should be appropriated based upon fairness and recognition of local needs,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “There’s too much focus on regional competitions for funding and not enough on ensuring basic infrastructure needs are being met here in the North Country. We shouldn’t have to fight for the funding we deserve.

“Local governments are already having to fight against Mother Nature when it comes to repairing their water and sewer systems and roads ... I’m going to continue to do what’s right for the North Country by fighting to fund the basic services which lay the groundwork for economic growth,”

In Ogdensburg, Mayor William D. Nelson said they’ve had more than 40 major water or sewer pipes freeze up this winter with major repairs expected.

“Just keeping our system operational is eating into our budget,” Mayor Nelson said. “We need reliable funding; nothing stimulates the economy better than working infrastructure that businesses can depend on.”

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell says the Assembly’s budget plan increases funding to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) by $40 million for repairing upstate roads and bridges damaged by harsh weather and will continue to push for a larger increase.

Additionally Assemblywoman Russell is supporting $250 million in funding for local communities like Sackets Harbor and Ogdensburg that have seen their water systems fail due to years of harsh weather and inadequate funding.