By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG — Ogdensburg City Council voted to borrow up to $4.3 million to help repair flood damage caused by high-water levels on the S. Lawrence River.

City Manager Sarah Purdy said the hefty price tag was the absolute worst-case scenario estimate and that the actual cost would likely be far less. She said the bond was necessary in order to move forward with FEMA funding, which will provide 75 percent reimbursement for the projects.

Purdy said city staff secured a grant from New York State division of Homes and Community Renewal following the governor’s state of emergency declaration for flooding on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.

Flooding last year forced Ogdensburg to close the city docks walkway. The walkway along the river in the Ogdensburg Greenbelt was closed to pedestrian traffic after it was found that the boardwalk is structurally undermined due to t flooding.

Ogdensburg suffered significant flooding recently and for safety reasons the city docks and the boardwalk behind the Dobisky Center have been closed.

The city also experienced damage to its East River Street pump station. The pump is currently running, however improvements are needed to ensure its longevity. Costs estimated to restore or replace the pump are expected to come in at more than $200,000.

With the bond approved city staff, council and FEMA representatives can begin planning for the needed repairs.