After nearly two decades with the Port of Oswego Authority, retiring as executive director and CEO, I know firsthand that the port is far more than docks, warehouses and rail lines. It is an economic engine supporting families, farmers, truckers and businesses across Central New York.
That is why I am deeply concerned by the escalating tariff dispute between the United States and Canada. It is reported that port revenue has fallen by nearly 30% as tariffs on Canadian aluminum slash cargo volumes. When cargo declines, the pain spreads fast. It means fewer hours for longshoremen, fewer loads for truck drivers, less business for local suppliers, and reduced economic activity across our entire region.
What concerns me most is what is at stake. A 2023 study found that the Port of Oswego generates approximately $513 million in economic activity while supporting over 2,200 jobs and $201 million in wages and spending. Behind these numbers are working families and local businesses anchored by one of North America’s largest aluminum processing plants…