Economic development progress for the Niagara region

Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) today acknowledged the positive impact that substantial awards from the Regional Economic Development Council initiative will have in the Niagara Region.  The awards were revealed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders this morning in Albany.

“This has been a great week for economic development in Western New York,” Senator Maziarz said.  “On Wednesday the Legislature enacted a plan to cut income taxes for the middle class, cut corporate taxes for manufacturers, and create an investment fund to support infrastructure projects throughout Upstate New York.  Today we are celebrating more than $8.7 million being awarded to eighteen different initiatives in Niagara County.  These awards will lead to job creation, tourism promotion, and quality of life enhancements for our residents.”

The Western New York Region—which comprises Niagara, Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Alleghany Counties—came away as a big winner in the competition for economic development dollars made possible through the 2011-2012 state budget.  In total, the region was recognized as a “best plan” awardee with $100.3 million to be allocated for 96 projects.

Awards in Niagara County include: 

·         $2,000,000 for NCCC Hospitality and Tourism Center in Niagara Falls (to include the Culinary Arts Center

·         $970,000 for a master plan at Niagara Falls International Airport

·         $811,534 for renovations at Sentient Corporation

·         $391,150 for amphitheater improvements at Artpark

·         $260,000 for Harrison Place developments in Lockport

·         $400,000 for a homeownership program in the City of Lockport

·         $200,000 for a Microenterprise Assistance Program in North Tonawanda

·         $574,500 for Webster Street green infrastructure improvements in North Tonawanda

·         $266,000 for the Remington Events Center in North Tonawanda

·         $50,000 for workforce training through Conestoga Rovers and Associates

·         $251,300 for downtown building renovations through Lockport Main Street

·         $75,000 for Niagara Community Action Program’s home repair projects

·         $250,000 for equipment purchases at Rubberform Recycled Products

·         $50,000 for workforce training at Norampac in Niagara Falls

·         $164,900 for rail improvements in the Town of Somerset

·         $1,865,401 for affordable housing development in Niagara Falls

·         $102,440 for improvements at LaSalle Waterfront Park in Niagara Falls

·         $63,800 for marina upgrades in the Town of Newfane

·         $30,000 for signage and promotion of the Niagara Wine Trail

Senator Maziarz also noted that Calspan, which has facilities in Erie and Niagara Counties, will receive nearly $1.3 million to promote 21^st century testing and research in the aeronautics field.

A full list of projects receiving awards is available on-line at: http://www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/CFAAWARDBooklet.pdf.

In a surprise announcement, legislative leaders also announced a commitment to include funds for another round of funding for economic development initiatives in next year’s state budget.  Negotiations for the 2012-2013 spending plan will begin in earnest early next year after the start of the regular Legislative Session in January.

Senator Maziarz said, “We will continue to work hard, in a bipartisan fashion, to take big strides forward in strengthening our economy.  We will keep our focus on improving the climate for doing business in Western New York and building on our regional assets, as we’ve done this week.”

#####