$3M for NY businesses near closed Champlain bridge

ALBANY -- New York officials say nearly $3 million has been allocated to help businesses hurt by the closing of the Lake Champlain Bridge to Vermont.

Gov. David Paterson says the program will include grants and loans to small businesses for payroll and other expenses. There's also money for farms and manufacturers to cover increased travel costs.

Commerce in the region has been disrupted since New York officials discovered erosion in the bridge's concrete piers and shut it down on Oct. 16.

New York and Vermont jointly own the 2,184-foot bridge, which links Crown Point, N.Y., with West Addison, Vt., about 95 miles north of Albany.

Officials estimate it will take nearly two years to replace the span. The Empire State Development Corp. will administer the assistance program.

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