Local state leaders unanimously supports the Thousand Islands Multi-Purpose Events Center

Group Calls on Governor Hochul to Include Project Funding in the Budget

WATERTOWN – The Thousand Islands Local Development Corporation released a unanimous letter of support to Governor Kathy Hochul for the Thousand Islands Multi-Purpose Events Center {MEC) from the members of the North Country State Delegation.

Assemblymembers William Barclay {Minority Leader – 120th Assembly District), Kenneth D. Blankenbush (117th Assembly District), and Scott A. Gray (116th Assembly District), were joined by Senator Mark Walczyk {49th Senate District) in expressing their strongest support for the $90 Million project, one of the largest construction projects in the region in years. The delegation urged Governor Hochul to include funding for the project in the budget.

Joel Bartlett, long-time champion of the MEC project and Town of Watertown Supervisor, thanked the delegation for their continued support: “We are grateful for the support of our region’s Assembly and Senate members. They understand the MEC’s transformative impact and its many benefits – both immediate and long­term – for North Country residents and businesses.”

The MEC will help transform the Thousand Islands region into a year-round destination for youth and adult sports, events, conferences, conventions and expositions, concerts, and other family entertainment by filling an unmet need for such spaces.

The delegation highlighted the benefits for area residents: “We support this project, as we recognize it will improve the quality of life for our residents. The expected job creation, increased visitor traffic and subsequent revenue generation are critical for our region.”

The MEC is a public-private project and has wide-ranging support from elected officials at all levels of government, area residents, and a diverse cross-section of business, sports, entertainment, hospitality, and tourism. The MEC is projected to generate more than $280 Million after ten years, including annual accruals of $24.3 Million to state and county tax rolls within five years.

The delegation concluded: “The potential for the [MEC] to make the North Country a national and international destination for sporting competitions and event planning is an opportunity we cannot afford to overlook.”