Akwesasne and the City of Cornwall are officially and legally partners. In what has drawn criticism from both sides of the river, the Port Divestiture papers were signed at the Turtle Room in the Anowarako:wa Arena by Grand Chief Abram Benedict and Mayor Leslie O'Shaughnessy. As of 10:30 am on May 3, 2016, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and Cornwall officially "own" the Port of Cornwall.

This complete transfer will be finalized by June 30, 2016. All papers related to the Port of Cornwall and its transfer of ownership will be released at that time. Due to a standard confidentiality agreement, the specific terms of the deal with Transport Canada cannot be released at this time. It is believed the confidentiality of the papers has drawn ire from Akwesasne and Cornwall. As any and all papers are released, officials hope a better understanding of the transfer and partnership occurs.

During this time, a public joint entity, titled the Cornwall Akwesasne Port Development Commission, will be established to oversee the management and long-term development of the Port under the umbrella of a co-owners' agreement.

Considered a historic signing, this initiative by MCA and Cornwall to take joint ownership of the Port of Cornwall and supporters of this initiative see as an opportunity for "both communities for years to come".

This agreement marks the culmination of numerous meetings and negotiation sessions involving officials from the City, Akwesasne and the Federal Government dating back as far as 2003.

Grand Chief Abram Benedict stated, "To move forward to create opportunities for both our communities. I know that as we move forward to work together in the sprit of cooperation. To bring to fruition what only we thought a number of years ago, was a far shot in the dark. I believe that we are moving in the right direction and I do know this direction will create opportunity for both communities for the next several years to come. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Cactus Cook-Sunday and her staff for all of their hard work and commitment to this"

Chief Abram Benedict welcoming Akwesasne and Cornwall to the signing of the joint ownership of the Port of Cornwall.

The Mayor of Cornwall recognized the moment at hand and the potential of this joint effort stating, "This is a momentous moment. This has been a lot of work. I'd like to recognize Council members from the city of Cornwall. I think it has opportunities for both communities. The potential is there for us to build. Let's move forward together and let's move forward positively. We are proud to be here. We are proud of the Akwesasne community and Cornwall community."