Seward Announces Oneida-herkimer Empire Zone Plan

Senator James L. Seward, R-C-I, Milford, and Senator Raymond A. Meier, R-C, Western, announced that legislation was passed by the New York State Legislature to split the existing Oneida-Herkimer Empire Zone.

The zones will effectively be split into 2 separate entities, a Oneida Empire Zone and a Herkimer Empire Zone. Each zone will amount to two square miles.

"As Herkimer County’s senator, I have been working to secure an empire zone for the county in order to boost their efforts to create jobs and promote business growth. The legislation we passed provides Herkimer County with its own empire zone and levels the playing field in the competition for business expansion and growth. This is great news for job growth in the Mohawk Valley."

"This legislation is the result of two senators working together for the good of the counties that they represent," Meier said. "In addition, this legislation will enable each county to create its own vision for future economic development," he continued.

Businesses in empire zones enjoy substantial tax savings that are turned into job creation. The zones are state approved and monitored by both local administrative boards and a state agency. The recently adopted on-time budget included additional oversight and controls to ensure the integrity of the zones.

The bill was agreed-on with the assembly and governor.