State of emergency declared for Crown Point bridge

New York state has finally moved to declare a formal state of emergency following the closure of the Lake Champlain bridge at Crown Point.

Here’s the full statement from Governor Paterson, who indicated yesterday in an NCPR interview that such a declaration was coming.

Governor David A. Paterson today declared a State Disaster Emergency in Essex County and the neighboring areas adversely affected by the emergency closure of the Lake Champlain Bridge.

In addition, at the Governor’s direction, the State has established a toll-free hotline for residents and businesses and has opened an outreach center at the site of the bridge.

“The closure of the Lake Champlain Bridge has disrupted the lives of many North Country residents and has affected their businesses,” Governor Paterson said.

“I am firmly committed to protecting the safety of those who drive across the bridge daily. With this disaster declaration, we are working to expedite repairs and to provide the highest level of assistance possible to the community.”