Updated at 8:30 p.m. to correct headline

OGDENSBURG -- A $2.6 million project aimed at expanding the Port of Ogdensburg and growing its agriculture import-export business will start a year ahead of schedule, according to Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

The project, which includes the addition of two grain storage bins, a new conveyor system and the rehabilitation of two rail bridges, was set to begin next year.

Ritchie says the state has moved its timetable at her request.

That new law will also allow improvements to proceed on the OBPA-owned Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge, ensuring the link to Ottawa and northeastern Canada can continue for at least another 50 years. In addition, Ritchie says she secured $200,000 to fund a dredging project at the port to remove 30 years of silt buildup that had made docking more difficult, dangerous and costly.

“With its proximity to Canada, and its location as the last deepwater port for outward bound shipping from the Great Lakes, the Port of Ogdensburg can play a key role in growing our economy, and helping to create new jobs,” Ritchie said. “This project especially positions the port to better serve the needs of North Country farmers and agribusinesses by making it easier to move products to newer and bigger markets by both rail and water. I’m grateful to the governor and the state DOT for moving this project forward on a faster pace.”

“The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority is very grateful to Senator Ritchie for helping us to better serve upstate New York’s agricultural community,” said OBPA Executive Director Wade Davis. “This funding will help us improve our competitiveness, promote the sale of value added agricultural products and increase our port’s capabilities to serve our global markets.”

OBPA also operates a light industrial park located next to the International Bridge.