Updates from the North American Center of Excellence for Transportation Equipment
State Senate Transportation Committee Chair Visits Plattsburgh
Last week the North Country Chamber of Commerce and NAmTrans were pleased to host Senator Tim Kennedy, Chair of the State Transportation Committee. His visit to Plattsburgh was an opportunity to learn more about our strong and growing cluster of transportation equipment companies. Senator Kennedy was also joined by Senator Dan Stec.
During their visit, Senators Kennedy and Stec toured Alstom's (legacy Bombardier) rolling stock manufacturing site, the Nova Bus/Prevost manufacturing lines and show room, and Norsk Titanium's new manufacturing facility.

Important conversations were had around future procurement opportunities, the forthcoming federal infrastructure bill, and the greening/electrification of mass transit.
Senator Kennedy also received a briefing on the current and future initiatives of the cluster's dedicated support organization - NAmTrans - including the 2nd iteration of our upcoming Quebec-NY Transportation Rendezvous and B2B.
We would like to thank Senator Kennedy for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit. We look forward to working closely with the Senator and his staff to ensure transportation equipment manufacturing stays, and continues to grow, right here in New York State!
Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program
Re-Opens for New Applications
re-opened the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection (AMJP) program. It re-opened on Wednesday, August 4th at 8:00am. It will remain open to accept new applications for four (4) weeks, closing on Wednesday, September 1st at 5:00pm EST.
If your business submitted an AMJP application before the original July 13, 2021 deadline and received confirmation of submission, you DO NOT need to resubmit.
Cluster News
Transit Highlights in Current Senate Infrastructure Bill
With the U.S. Senate passing the approximate $1 trillion five-year infrastructure bill yesterday, let's take a look at some of the highlights.

The bill includes reauthorization of funding levels for the next five years as well as supplemental funding for transit and passenger rail projects - including those focused on electrification and green projects.
The bill includes a total of $69.9 billion over five years in transit funding starting with $13.36 billion in 2022 and increasing to $14.64 billion in 2026; this amount includes, in part:

  • Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program is authorized at $3 billion each year
  • Rural Area Formula funding of $875.29 million in 2022 and increasing to $959.6 million in 2026;
  • State of Good Repair formula funding starting with $3.52 billion in funding in 2022 and increasing to $3.85 billion in 2026;
  • Growing states and high-density states formula funding starting with $741 million in 2022 and increasing to $812.5 million in 2026;
  • Low or No Emission Program competitive grants of $71.6 million in 2022 and increasing to $78.5 million in 2026;

Above these amounts, the bill also includes supplemental funding for many of the above programs and $66 billion for passenger rail projects.

In discussing the bill, Garry Douglas, President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce noted that, "...we have consistently been highlighting to our Washington representatives the importance of robust funding for transit equipment, both rail and buses..." and thanked Senators Charles Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand "...for their commitment to the priorities we and our partners spotlighted as the bill was constructed. Sen. Schumer sought our input all along the way, including during his recent visit as our guest."
Trudeau/Québec Government Announce Investment to Support Aerospace Industry
NAmTrans is pleased to join our partners at Aéro Montréal, Québec's aerospace cluster, in welcoming a major investment in Canada's aerospace industry. In a special announcement on July 15th, the Québec and Canadian governments announced that they would be investing nearly $693 million to support growth and create jobs in Canada's aerospace industry.

During his remarks, Prime Minister Trudeau said that the investment "will secure the industry's long-term future in Canada by developing green aviation projects, and more clean technologies."

This funding will support projects led by Bell Textron Canada, CAE and Pratt & Whitney Canada, representing investments of $2 billion in Canada, including nearly $1.6 billion in Québec.

The investment is expected to create/support 12,000 jobs and 6,200 student internships.
Looking for Employees?
North Country Chamber of Commerce Job Fair

When: Wednesday, September 15th (3:00PM - 7:00PM)
Where: West Side Ballroom - 253 New York Road Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Cost BEFORE August 25: Members/Associate Members: $195; Not-Yet-Members: $345
Cost AFTER August 25: Members/Associate Members: $295; Not-Yet-Members: $495

An excellent opportunity to meet with many prospective employees in just one day! Conduct interviews, give out applications, gather resumes, and display your products.
Clarkson University Job Fair

When/Where: Monday, September 13th - Virtual Day
Tuesday, September 14th - In Person Career Fair (Potsdam, NY Campus)
Wednesday, September 15th - Optional In Person Interview Day (Potsdam Campus or Virtual)
Cost: Varies based on in-person V.S. virtual and optional add-ons

Employers: The Career Fair at Clarkson is a great way for you to kick off your recruiting season! Questions? Contact Erin Murray, Projects and Operations Coordinator, at emurray@clarkson.edu

Fort Drum Career Fair

When: Thursday, September 16th (10:00am - 2:00pm)
Where: The Commons - 4350 Euphrates River Valley Road Fort Drum, NY 13602
Cost: Free; Registration Required

Fort Drum will host its first indoor, face-to-face, post COVID-19 restriction Career Fair at the Commons on Fort Drum. Forty (40) slots available and once they are filled, there will be no additions. This fair is open to all employers until all slots are filled.

Learn More & Reserve Your Spot or by calling (315) 772-3237
In Case You Missed It! 
News & Notes from Around the Cluster
Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas Region
L to R: Chamber President, Garry Douglas - Clinton Community College President, Ray DiPasquale - Clarkson University President, Tony Collins
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Diamond Level Sponsor:
Gold Level Sponsor:
Did you know that NAmTrans News is sent to more than 1,400 readers in the U.S, Canada, and Europe each and every month?

With open and click rates 14% higher than the industry average, help spread the word about your company and products, become a sponsor today!

To learn more about the benefits and opportunities, contact Joel at (518) 563-1000 or joel@northcountrychamber.com.
NYS Assemblyman D. Billy Jones
The North Country Chamber of Commerce
Social Media
Stay up to date on all NAmTrans events, services, and cluster company news - be sure to like and share our pages by clicking the links below!