Assemblyman Scott Gray today welcomed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement that the City of Ogdensburg will receive $10 million through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the Village of Heuvelton will receive $4.5 million through NY Forward and the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority (OBPA) will receive $1.8 million in new capital funding for construction of its child care center.

“Today’s announcement brings real momentum to Ogdensburg and Heuvelton,” said Assemblyman Scott Gray. “Downtown investment matters, but so does everyday infrastructure for working families. The added support for the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority child care center is a major step toward getting that facility built.”

In announcing the child care funding, Gov. Hochul said the Ogdensburg project had already raised nearly two-thirds of the money required and could move into construction once the final amount was secured. She said the new funding will help move the project forward and support care for up to 125 children, including Universal Pre-K, Head Start and other services.

Gray has kept child care at the forefront of his public agenda for more than a year. In January of 2025, he identified expanded access to affordable child care as a top priority. In January of 2026, he joined local leaders and providers for a North Country child care roundtable hosted by the OBPA and publicly stressed the need for the governor to acknowledge the level of funding required to ensure adequate child care coverage.

“Today’s commitment helps close that final funding gap and gives this project a clear path to becoming a reality,” Gray said. “That is welcome news for parents, for employers and for the local economy.”

At the event, Gov. Hochul thanked Assemblyman Gray, noted she had known him from his time in local government and said that “leadership matters and relationships matter” in serving the region.

“Governor Hochul deserves thanks for recognizing the value of a working relationship and for helping move this project forward,” Gray said. “Progress in the North Country depends on leaders staying focused on practical needs, respectful dialogue and results for the community.”