Senator Volker, Senator Young, Assemblyman Errigo And Assemblyman Burling Secure Empire Zones For Livingston And Wyoming Counties

(DEPEW, N.Y.) – Senator Dale M. Volker, Senator Catharine Young, Assemblyman Joseph Errigo and Assemblyman Daniel Burling today announced that under their advocacy that Governor Pataki has approved Livingston County for Empire Zone designation. Wyoming County will receive their Empire Zone designation by the end of the year.

Yesterday, the Governor announced that Livingston County has received Empire Zone credentials. Today, Governor Pataki in his State of the State address confirmed that Wyoming County will receive it’s Empire Zone credentials by the end of the year. This will ensure that Livingston and Wyoming Counties can compete on a level playing field for those companies seeking to relocate, retain, create and expand their business operations in these two counties.

"Working together with Senator Catharine Young, Assemblyman Errigo and Assemblyman Burling, we were able successfully advocate for this critical economic development program for Livingston and Wyoming Counties, which have been proven to be an important job creator and business friendly program," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "We now must continue to focus our energies to get down to business in working with those interested business entities who are looking at these two counties for major business investments and economic opportunities."

Assembly Joseph Errigo said, "This is a tremendous shot in the arm for Livingston and Wyoming Counties and will make a dramatic economic development impact for the entire region. Our cooperative efforts have proven once again that we will do whatever it takes to bring well-paying jobs for our residents and strengthen our overall economy. Our partnership with the State Senate and Governor’s Office in securing Empire Zone credentials will pay major economic dividends in the near and long term future for our region."

"Empire Zones have been an invaluable economic development asset for many counties across New York State and that is why it has been one of our legislative delegation’s top priority to secure them for Livingston and Wyoming Counties," said Assemblyman Daniel Burling. "Empire Zones are not only about job creation and diversifying our economy, they are also instrumental in expanding the tax base to alleviate local property tax increases."

Senator Catharine Young stated, "Businesses and corporations in New York State, as well as companies outside New York, have been seeking Empire Zone designation for Livingston and Wyoming County so that they could expand and relocate their operations. Livingston and Wyoming Counties receiving Empire Zones will provide a competitive edge and give our residents and their families significant opportunities for employment."

The Empire Zone program was created to stimulate economic growth through a variety of tax incentives, helping to attract new businesses to New York and enable existing businesses to expand and create more jobs. Businesses operating inside a zone are eligible for a range of significant tax benefits tied to job creation and significant investment. Benefits include tax reduction credits, real property tax credits, sales tax exemptions, wage tax credits, and utility rate reductions.