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Port of Ogdensburg's increased cargo tally earns nod from Seaway

Posted 9/28/11

WASHINGTON -- The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation has awarded the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for increases in international cargo …

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Port of Ogdensburg's increased cargo tally earns nod from Seaway

Posted

WASHINGTON -- The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation has awarded the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for increases in international cargo shipments during the 2010 navigation season.

SLSDC Associate Administrator Sal Pisani presented the award to Executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Wade Davis during Ogdensburg’s Port Commerce Day.

In 2010, the port processed more than 30 thousand metric tons in international cargo over 2009.

This is the sixth time that the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority has received the Pacesetter award, which recognizes increases in international cargo tonnage shipped through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway.

“President Obama has set a goal of doubling U.S. exports, and it is this kind of strong performance by the Port of Ogdensburg that is going to help us achieve that goal,” said Pisani.

“The new business through the Port shows a strengthening of the regional economy, which will translate into new employment opportunities.”

“The Port of Ogdensburg continues to demonstrate its relevance in the St. Lawrence Seaway system, in business and industrial commerce, and greatly appreciates the second Pacesetter recognition within the last five years,” said Davis.

Davis said the port is expanding its agricultural and heavy-lift capabilities, is creating a new access road for larger cargo, has developed a port master plan with New York State Department of Transportation, and is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to meet future dredging needs.

"While this award recognizes the efforts of the Port of Ogdensburg for increased tonnage, there is no doubt that the Port of Ogdensburg has a bright future as Seaway traffic continues to rebound,” Davis said.

During the 2010 navigation season, the port made improvements towards efficiency and competitiveness, including the conversion of a 20,000 square foot building into a grain storage facility; installation of new security fencing, gates and cameras; and relocation of overhead power lines to allow for oversized loads.

In addition, the port was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the State of New York to build a port access road with a direct route to a state highway for project cargo.