By JIMMY LAWTON

CANTON – St. Lawrence County supports Canton’s effort to secure two grants that could spur development and save jobs.

The Town of Canton is applying for an Empire State Development Grant to extend utilities to the Maple Hill Subdivision, which is on the western side of the Grasse River on the south end of the Village of Canton.

Canton is also seeking a Transportation Alternatives Grant for a bridge that could carry the utilities and provide more access to the area.

The town has been seeking money for a walking bridge for several years, but at this point bringing utilities across the water has become a priority, as water and sewer issues on Maple Hill are threatening jobs, according to Canton Supervisor David Button.

He said said the town’s true goal is to create a walking bridge that could support utility lines and improve shared services and promote more foot traffic near the water.

The county resolution, which passed Monday, says municipal utilities are essential to the continuing operation of the Community Bank Operations Center. The bank located on Maple Hill provides about 70 jobs, but has been struggling with water and septic problems.

The resolution says the utility extension could also service another parcel that the County, Town, and Village are considering as a site for a shared highway facility.

“The Board of Legislators supports the Town of Canton's application for an Empire State Development Grant and encourages the North Country Regional Development Council to make this a "Priority Project" in the current Consolidated Funding Application,” the resolution says.

Copies of this resolution were to be forwarded to Sen. Patty Ritchie, Sen. Joseph Griffo, Sen. Elizabeth Little, Assemblyman Kenneth Blankenbush, Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Assemblyman Marc Butler, Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, and the Town of Canton.