Cargo Shipments Up 17 Percent On Seaway

Cargo shipments on the St. Lawrence Seaway are up 17 percent over last year, a promising sign for the U.S. economy, which is trying to shake free of the deepest recession in a generation.

Officials here are hoping some of that will reach north country shores.

"What happens on the Seaway is fairly reflective of what's happening in the larger economy," said Nancy T. Alcade, a spokeswoman for the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.

The upward trend was sparked by an increased demand for iron ore and steel slabs, and a rejuvenation in wind turbine business.

The recent wind turbine projects have not stopped in Ogdensburg and the north country, landing instead in Duluth, Minn., and locations farther west.

Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Wade A. Davis said that the authority is in discussion on wind turbine and other cargo projects. He did not elaborate, citing OBPA policy to withhold discussions on ongoing business negotiations.

"There are multiple projects that we're following up on that have resulted from our discussions" on Wednesday, Mr. Davis said.

So far this year, estimates on salt shipments are on track, with 168 tons brought in already. Impressive mounds of salt sit at the port, waiting for the winter weather, covered in giant black tarpaulins.

Agricultural tonnage is also up at the port, Mr. Davis said, spurred by an increase in rail shipments.

"And we're optimistic that the increase in rail shipments will attract additional business on the marine side," Mr. Davis said.