Program Purpose

The Champlain Bridge Assistance Program, announced by Governor Paterson on November 19, 2009, provides $2.935 million in grants and loans to help New York businesses directly impacted by the bridge closure on October 16, 2009. The program is managed by Empire State Development.

Retail and service firms located in the Towns of Crown Point, Moriah and Ticonderoga, and the Village of Port Henry, that have lost business revenue as a result of the closure may click to download the Retail Assistance application below.

Manufacturing and agricultural production firms that incur added transportation costs from the bridge closure may click to download the Transport Assistance application below. 

Business owners interested in applying for the Community Revolving Loan Fund for help with working capital, purchase of machinery and equipment and refinancing of collateralized debt should contact the Essex County IDA at (518) 873-9114.

Assistance will now be provided by ESD under the Increased Transport Costs and Retail Assistance programs through December 31, 2011.  Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis for both programs.

Governor's Press Release

1 27 2010: Governors Paterson and Douglas Announces Free 24-Hour Ferry Across Lake Champlain

11 19 2009: Governor Paterson Announces Economic Assistance Program For Lake Champlain Bridge Area

Application Materials
Retail Assistance Application - Phase 3
    Retail Assistance Guidelines - Phase 3

Retail Assistance Application - Phase 2
    Retail Assistance Guidelines - Phase 2

Retail Assistance Application - Phase 1
    Retail Assistance Guidelines - Phase 1

Transport Assistance Application
    Draft Transport Assistance Guidelines

 

Contact Information
Telephone: (800) STATE-NY or (518) 292-5340
Or email us here.