CANTON -- St. Lawrence County has extended the county's state of emergency until May 4, citing the ongoing migrant crisis.

Officials say they will reassess the situation prior to the expiration of the state of emergency before allowing it to lapse or once again extending it.

Officials first issued the state of emergency last May due to the massive influx of migrants to the state of New York.

Officials say the possibility of migrants illegally crossing the northern border coupled with New York City and state representatives pushing to house migrants in the county could lead to "catastrophic results."

Officials say with the expiration of the Title 42 Order on May 11, 2023, concerns were raised regarding the possible transmission of communicable diseases.

Title 42 prohibited migrants from entering the United States by "covered noncitizens" traveling from Mexico or Canada who would otherwise "be introduced to a congregate setting in a port of entry or U.S. Border Patrol Station at or near the U.S. land and adjacent coastal borders."

St. Lawrence County shares 75 miles with Canada, which some officials say poses a risk of migrants crossing to seek shelter in the state.

County officials say St. Lawrence County consistently ranks in the state’s top ten most impoverished counties in the state, saying the county is “ill-equipped” to meet the potential needs of migrants.

Local officials have also voiced numerous concerns, saying municipalities are unable to properly care for everyone in need currently while noting an influx of migrants would exacerbate the existing situation.