O'Mara welcomes new round of state aid for regional economic development -- Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions recognized as 'Top Performers' (UPDATED)

Albany, N.Y., December 11—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) welcomed today’s announcement that the Southern Tier region will be awarded a total of $80.8 million and the Finger Lakes region $80.7 million under the fourth round of funding through the state’s Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) initiative.

O’Mara noted that both the Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes regions are among the five regions that are recognized as a “Top Performer” in this year’s competition.  The other Top Performers this year are Central New York, Mid-Hudson and Long Island.

A total of more than $700 million in economic development awards to support specific regional projects statewide were announced today in Albany.  Each of the state’s 10 REDCs competed for this latest round of state economic development aid.

O’Mara said, “The Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions continue to stand out this year.  Many regional leaders across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions are making a great difference.  Their ongoing commitment and work over the past four years to assess our regional strengths and weaknesses, identify specific economic priorities, and put in place short- and long-term strategies, keep us moving toward a stronger and more secure economic future.  These regional public-private partnerships are providing the economic leadership we need in this tough and globally competitive economy.  Now we have to keep building on these new economic foundations so that our communities, our employers and our workers can compete with anyone, anywhere for the jobs of the future and across-the-board economic growth."

[UPDATE: Read more in today's Corning Leader, "Southern Tier gets $80.8M for jobs, infrastructure", and watch a report on WETM-TV, "Southern Tier Gets Economic Boost from Regional Economic Development Council"] 

Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Legislature established New York's 10 regional economic development councils as part of the 2011-2012 state budget.  The councils are aimed at putting in place a more locally based approach for distributing state economic development aid and guide the development of local economic development strategies that will compete for state assistance.    

Read more on today’s specific regional project awards at http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov

O’Mara’s 58th Senate District includes Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and part of Tompkins County, all of which fall under the Southern Tier REDC, and Yates County, which is included in the Finger Lakes REDC.

The fourth round of funding for the state's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils, including the Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes, were awarded during a ceremony this afternoon in Albany.

Watch a replay of today's ceremony HERE.