Senator Nozzolio Secures $100,000 For Town Of Aurelius And New Marriott Hotel To Create Jobs And Enhance Tourism

Aurelius – Working aggressively to create new jobs for the Finger Lakes region, New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette) announced that he has secured a $100,000 State transportation grant for the Town of Aurelius to be used at the site of a new 119 room Marriott Hotel. The new Marriott Springhill Inn & Suites will include a 300-seat conference center and Houlihan’s restaurant. It will be located across from the FingerLakes Mall and Bass Pro Shops and is expected to create 150-200 full-time jobs.

“I was very pleased to secure this $100,000 State grant for road access to the planned Marriott Springhill Inn & Suites,” said Senator Nozzolio. “This project will create hundreds of new jobs and is a clear demonstration that the Bass Pro effect is continuing to have a positive role here in Cayuga County.”

In 2003, Senator Nozzolio played a critical role in attracting Bass Pro Shops, one of the nation's leading suppliers of outdoor recreational products to Cayuga County and the Finger Lakes Mall.

Senator Nozzolio highlighted some of the tangible evidence of “The Bass Pro Effect”:

1. In 2004 (a partial year with Bass Pro Shops) total mall sales increased by 71%
2. In 2005 the success continued with total mall sales increasing by 25%
3. Occupancy is now well over 80%
4. A total of 26 New Tenants have been added; with several other tenants relocating and expanding
5. As of May 2005, Cayuga County Sales Tax increased by $1.4 million compared to the same period last year.

Mark Honchell, a developer of Aurelius Hospitality who will be working on the project said “We are thrilled to be coming to the Auburn area and feel that this new hotel will be a great addition to an already great community. I thank Senator Nozzolio for his work in securing this much needed grant money to develop road access for the future hotel.”

Edward Ide, Aurelius Town Supervisor said “I appreciate Senator Nozzolio’s efforts in this project to create jobs and attract more visitors to the region. The new Marriott Hotel will be a wonderful addition to the community and enhance tourism by providing a great place to stay after attending a Bass Pro event or shopping at the Finger Lakes Mall.”

Greg Bulkley, General Manager of Bass Pro Shops said “Senator Nozzolio was instrumental in bringing Bass Pro Shops to the area and continues to work tirelessly to get things done in the community. I am ecstatic of the prospects of the Marriott Hotel to bring even more traffic to a fast growing region.”

Gina Speno, General Manager of the FingerLakes Mall said “Senator Nozzolio has been a great advocate throughout the years in providing grants to attract new businesses and create jobs in the Finger Lakes region. The latest addition of the Marriott Hotel will increase tourism to the region with more and more visitors to shop at the FingerLakes Mall and Bass Pro Shops.”

Scott Boggio, a partner of Gregory Greenfield & Associates, Ltd. representing Fingerlakes Mall ownership said “We are grateful to Senator Nozzolio and his support in making the redevelopment of the FingerLakes Mall with the addition of Bass Pro Shops a reality. We hope to continue to build on our success with the opening of the Marriott Springhill Inn & Suites, Conference Center and Houlihan’s Restaurant.”

“The Marriott Hotel will provide tremendous growth in our tourism and retail industries while also generating a substantial amount of new revenue for Cayuga County. The new addition of the hotel will create hundreds of jobs, enhance visitors to the area and help further demonstrate that the Finger Lakes region has a lot to offer,” Nozzolio concluded.

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