BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week 

CANTON — St. Lawrence County was awarded $20.9 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act and the County Legislature Finance Committee has recommendations.

During the Finance Committee’s April 25 meeting, officials on the ARPA Committee recommended spending $5 million for emergency communication equipment, saying the funds will assist in the necessary funding required to assist municipalities with equipment.

St. Lawrence County Emergency Services is in the midst of making significant improvements, including the implementation of a new radio system, officials say.  

Officials also recommended spending $4 million for economic development and tourism, saying that “economic development and tourism are essential in improving the services and activities available in St. Lawrence County.” Officials recommended spending $200,000 for providing training for childcare, $100,000 for EMT training and $287,000 for CDL licensure training.

“CDLs benefit the county, we can’t probably say ‘you take this class you have to come to the county’ but it benefits North Country drivers, haulers, anybody here in St. Lawrence County looking for individual appointment,” Board Chairman Kevin Acres said.

Also included in the proposal is $50,000 for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, $300,000 for the Clifton-Fine Hospital, $50,000 for the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair and an additional $3 million through the St. Lawrence County IDA for organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An additional $3 million was recommended for broadband development and installation, with officials aiming to provide funding for matching grants.

“This is, I think, two fold in that not only for the ability to have the development completed but to have matching funds available with grants that are available,” County Administrator Ruth Doyle said.

Officials also recommended spending $3 million for utilities, including water and sewer development and repair.

In addition, officials also recommended spending $5 million for county capital projects and $900,000 for ash tree removal and reforestation.