By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – The recently completed Blueway management plan hopes to increase tourism and grow St. Lawrence County’s economy.

The Oswegatchie River Blueway Trail Management Plan is a strategy for economic development and sustainable tourism through recreational access to the Oswegatchie River and the many other year-round recreation resources along the river corridor.

According to the plan, the Blueway Trail holds promise of economic development opportunities. If Blueway attractions increase tourism in St. Lawrence County by just one percent, an additional $1.15 million would be added to the economy, the plan says. One percent would support $440,000 in wages and generate almost $140,000 in local and state taxes.

If tourism were to add five percent to local tourism, it would generate $5.7 million in spending, the plan says.

As one of the communities that helped establish the plan, Ogdensburg is able to appoint up to two members of the committee that will work toward implementing it. On Thursday the city agreed to join the committee but did not officially appoint a member.

The plan includes the communities of Ogdensburg, Heuvelton, Gouverneur, Edwards, Cranberry Lake, Harrisville, Rensselaer Falls, Talcvillle, Hailesboro, South Edwards, Newton Falls, Star Lake and Wanakena.

Ogdensburg portion of the plan calls for establishing connections at Washington and Spring Streets, improving portage around the dam, expanding the Maple City Trail and exploring development opportunities.

The goals are broken down between short, mid and long-term goals. Among first on the city’s list is the “gateway” connections at Washington and Spring streets. Those are estimated to cost between $10,000 and $20,000.

Implementing Ogdensburg’s entire part of the Blueway Trail plan is estimated to cost more than $100,000. However funding for the trail would be sought from various state and federal grants.

The plan also ties in with the city’s Local Waterfront Revitalization plan.

The full plan can be viewed at http://ogdensburg.org/DocumentCenter/View/1767