To the Editor:

At a recent Board of Directors meeting the President’s proposed American Jobs Plan was discussed by members and staff regarding how it would relate to the operations of the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority.

As the general public is aware, a recent study by bridge engineers gave an estimate that it could take up to $130 million to bring the Ogdensburg International Bridge back to a condition that would ensure it lasts another 60 years. Every year the OBPA hires an Engineering firm to inspect the bridge and every other year there is an underwater inspection. Currently, there are no concerns regarding safe use of the bridge. In fact, it is the desire of the Authority and State of New York to ensure bridge safety is priority one! As a result, thanks to Gov. Cuomo and New York State DOT staff, the Authority has received millions of dollars to upgrade a large section of the bridge last year and this year.

The President’s American Jobs Plan will provide funding to fix the ten most economically significant bridges in the country in need of reconstruction and over 10,000 smaller bridges that provide critical linkages to communities. We feel that our bridge will qualify for such funding.

In addition, the Jobs Plan would fund a retrofit of two million homes and commercial buildings and modernize our nation’s schools and childcare facilities. The OBPA has a committee already looking into the possibility of constructing an up to date modern childcare facility within the Commerce Park Campus that will make it easier for parents to maintain jobs while being comfortable about the safety and care of their children. This will help in attracting and retaining good jobs in our community!

For many years there has been discussion of the federal government providing funding for an Interstate highway connection between I-81 and I-87 running through the North Country with spurs to the international bridges in Ogdensburg and Massena. Now would be the best opportunity for the North Country to become a stronger economic development corridor for our State and nation.

It is in the best interest of the OBPA and the North Country community to urge all of our elected officials to support the President’s American Jobs Plan and help support the local economy and build for the future.

Vernon ‘Sam’ Burns, chair

Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority Board of Directors