BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSSENA -- Members of the press were given an opportunity to view the new visitor center at the Eisenhower Locks in Massena on April 15.

The newly built center is in the final stages before going live to the public on May 14.

Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS), was on hand to greet members of the press and to give an overview of the project. Along with Tindall-Schlicht was Jen Wilk, GLS director of congressional and public relations and Amy Stark, visitor center and community relations director.

"This new facility, a museum and community gathering place, recognizes the profound impact that the St. Lawrence Seaway has had on the north country and its people," Tindall-Schlicht said.

During the event, Tindall-Schlicht announced the visitor center would officially open to the public on May 14 "after many years of planning, construction and execution. The day will also coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Wildly-Dondero Act, "which is the legislation that paved the way for the creation of the seaway as signed by then President Eisenhower," he said.

"This new facility shows how the St. Lawrence Seaway is not just a waterway for vessel activity and shipping, but how the Seaway is also a steward for the North Country, its economy and the environment of the St. Lawrence River," he said.

Tindall-Schlicht detailed the impact trade on the Great Lakes has had on the north country, through job creation, economic stimulation and environmental stewardship as well.

"For seven decades the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation has been a lifeline in this community, connecting the Great Lakes facilitating trade and supporting jobs. We have done so while also being a neighbor and a fixture in the North Country. balancing economic prosperity with environmental stewardship," he said.

The new visitor center will feature 38 new exhibits, many of which are interactive in nature, officials commented.

"It's a premier location to learn about the decades of history and the contemporary operation of the St. Lawrence Seaway," Tindall-Schlicht said.

"There's over 30 exhibits here, so there's something for everyone. I think if you're a child, if you're an adult, if you're a first time visitor to the North Country, if you're someone who's spent your life long here, there's something here for everyone. Everyone's going to learn something new. So, one of our goals from the earliest stages of developing this new site is that it's an enriching experience, no matter your background," he said.

The new center also details the numerous ports in the system that have "driven the Great Lakes maritime economy for decades."

"The new visitor center will be a world class venue for the youth of the north country in particular as well as tourists from around the world to experience the St. Lawrence Seaway firsthand," Tindall-Schlicht said.

He also commented that officials hope the location will be one of many within the north country that creates a "tourism roadmap" for visitors to the region.

"We think that this is not just a flagship part of our organization, but a flagship for many of those other locations that visitors to this part of the world seek out when they're coming here to learn, to invest in the North Country, and to experience this beautiful part of the world," he said.

Visitors will learn about the thousands of ships that traverse the sway each year, as well as the economic importance of the waterway in the region since its creation, officials said.

Officials say they hope the center can be utilized by community groups, public schools, universities and other organizations for ongoing educational purposes.

Meeting areas are available with the facility, along with multiple indoor and outdoor observation spaces to watch ships pass through the lock.

The new facility is now fully ADA compliant, with an elevator available for those who have difficulty with stairs.

According to Stark, many programming ideas have been under consideration in recent months, including ideas to engage first time visitors, as well as returning visitors.

"The big thing is that we want to ensure we have something new consistently. We want the visitor center to be a destination in the region," she said.

Stark and Tindall-Schlicht both complemented the many contractors who helped make the new visitor center a reality as well.

"Countless others over the years have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life in Massena and into the north country, and we could not be more proud," he said.

While the new facility is a nod to the history of the seaway, Tindall-Schlicht said it is more than that.

"This visitor center is not just a tribute to the past. It's an investment in the future. This visitor center will serve as a hub for education. It is a place where future generations can learn about the importance of the St. Lawrence Seaway and continue to be inspired by its legacy of prosperity and stewardship," he said.

More than anything, he said the seaway is a testament to what can happen when a group of people have a common goal they want to achieve.

"The seaway is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together, especially in the binational context. Our sincerest hope is with its public unveiling next month, the Seaway Visitor Center will stand as a symbol of our shared history, our shared prosperity and our shared future in the North Country, on the St. Lawrence River and throughout the Great Lakes region," he said.

An invite only ceremony will be held May 13 at 11 a.m., followed by the official grand opening at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, officials say.

Regular hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.