OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg’s newly-installed sign will now greet visitors coming to the city from the river.

To commemorate the installation Assembly Addie Jenne, D-Theresa, visited the city.

She had secured $10,000 in state funding for the city that was used to purchase the sign as well as 450 feet of six-foot security fence.

The funding was aimed at assisting in the establishment of a secure docking facility at the city's municipal dock. The security fence was necessary to allow cruise ships to make stops in Ogdensburg.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the new sign is another step forward as the city works to improve its waterfront.

"It is important to make a good first impression. I'm pleased to be able to work with city officials as they try to enhance their waterfront and attract more visitors to the Ogdensburg area," she noted.

The 4 x 16-foot sign was recently installed by Ogdensburg Parks & Recreation and Department of Public Works workers during a break in the winter weather. The sign replaces a worn and out-dated sign made out of chipboard that had been installed over a decade ago.

“The funding provided by Assemblywoman Jenne has really opened avenues in regards to the city’s ability to bring cruise ships here and now we have a new marina sign that is welcoming for those visiting Ogdensburg by boat,” Ogdensburg City Manager Sarah Purdy said.

Ogdensburg Parks & Recreation Director Matthew J. Curatolo said the previous sign needed to be replaced.

“The new sign looks great and it will be a much better way to greet those visiting our city by boat. We appreciate the efforts by the assemblywoman in helping us with this sign as well as the necessary fencing and signage to begin bringing cruise ships to our city docks,” he pointed out.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the security fencing is not limited to being used solely for security purposes when large vessels with passengers are docked at the marina and need to clear customs.

"The fencing is being used for multiple purposes including security measures for events such as the Seaway Festival," she said.

The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority also assisted in the effort to take steps necessary so cruise ships could stop at the marina by providing $5,000 to amend the United States Coast Guard's facilities security plan to include the city's municipal dock.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the need to purchase fencing stemmed from an issue in 2015 when a cruise ship wanted to stop in Ogdensburg, but the lack of a secure docking area prohibited that from happening.