Senator urges Corps to fund dredging of channel

OGDENSBURG — Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand, D-N.Y., is calling on federal officials to support the dredging of the Port of Ogdensburg.

The senator sent a letter Friday to the Army Corps of Engineers urging the agency to fund dredging the main dock channel and inner harbor around the port. Spokeswoman Bethany Lesser said the senator also will be reaching out to members of the House and Senate appropriations committees to support the project.

"This dredging project is essential to the Port of Ogdensburg continuing its vital marine services for New York State," the Senator wrote in the letter. "Dredging of the main dock and inner harbor would allow vessels to unload directly at the port dock main storage areas ... reducing the costs for the port and making for a more time efficient process."

The Port of Ogdensburg is the only port on the U.S. side of the St. Lawrence Seaway and is the northernmost port in the state. However, the depth of the port ranges from 19 to 27 feet, so ships must enter the dock area one at a time and start to unload at the northeast end before moving into the shallow side to finish unloading.

Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Wade A. Davis said he estimates the deeper channel would save the authority more than $200,000 annually for salt cargo alone.

"There's a big savings there in not handling those ships two and three times," OBPA board Chairman Frederick J. Carter said. "We need to dredge that port so we can get two ships in there at the same time, and we thank the senator for her support."

OBPA officials said they estimate that deepening the 300-foot channel, 200 feet of which is federally controlled, to a depth of 27 feet will cost around $3 million.

In March, the OBPA submitted a request to the Army Corps of Engineers for a preliminary study that identifies problems at the port and finds potential solutions, such as dredging or dock expansion. The study, which includes feasibility analyses, takes from three to four years and is the first step for any project dealing with federally owned channels.

Since submitting the request in March, officials still are waiting to hear if the preliminary study will get funding.

"Senator Gillibrand's support is instrumental because the Army Corps of Engineers requires you to get on a list and that's still no guarantee of funds, so obviously we appreciate her support," Mr. Davis said. "It is critical to have support of all our elected officials as we move this forward."

According to corps officials, the port's request will be eligible for funding if the proposal is approved by the House Appropriations Committee.

"We are anticipating funding once we get approval," corps spokeswoman Laura V. Ortiz said. "The fact that it's going to committee is a good sign."