OSWEGO, NY – A bill co-sponsored by Assemblyman Bob Oaks (R-C Macedon) and Assembly Will Barclay (R-C Pulaski) to expand Central New York’s Foreign Trade Zone will allow adjacent Oswego, Cayuga, Onondaga and Madison counties to collaborate and compete for new jobs and businesses in the global market.

The bill, which is being sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, passed the Assembly March 19 and the Senate March 27.

It was co-sponsored there by Senator Patty Ritchie (R-C Oswegatchie) and Senator John DeFransciso (R-C) Syracuse.

Once it receives final approval, the bill will amend Onondaga County law to include other parts of the area, specifically the Port of Oswego, in the Foreign Trade Zone.

Right now, the zone only encompasses Hancock International Airport.

The Foreign Trade Zone regulations define “adjacency” to be areas located within 60 miles or 90 minutes driving time of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port of Entry.

“Exports are a major source of growth for Central New York,” said Assemblyman Oaks. “This expansion would permit further regional economic development as businesses will find incentives to locate within this region, and current businesses will be better able to expand their distribution area and increase product exports.”

A recent study reported that the Port of Oswego supports more than 500 jobs and $38 million in business.

It is hoped that the bill will help the port work with companies from across Central New York that are looking for new customers and opportunities.

The port has become one of the economic engines of Central New York by helping companies reduce their transportation costs.