Ritchie Applauds Big WINS for Central, Northern NY Through Regional Economic Development Council Awards

State Senator Patty Ritchie is applauding nearly $150 million in new job-creating Regional Economic Development Council awards across Central and Northern New York.

Today’s announcement represents the third round of job creation awards. The North Country—which includes Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties and which once again was named a “top performer” in the Governor’s annual economic growth competition—will receive $81.3 million. The Central New York region, including Oswego County, is in line for $66.9 million in economic development investment by the state.

The new awards bring to a three-year total of $542.7 million in funding for the two regions—more than any other part of the state, representing what Albany views as the strong growth potential for the local economy.

“Throughout the past two years, the investments made through the Regional Economic Development Council Program have been a catalyst for new jobs and economic growth throughout Central and Northern New York, and today’s announcement proves that there’s even more potential and enthusiasm for the future,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Both the Governor and I recognize the need for jobs in our region, and these awards show that New York State is ready and willing to invest in our communities and a brighter tomorrow.”

Established in 2011, the Regional Economic Development Councils—made up of local experts and stakeholders with backgrounds in business, academia and local government and non-governmental organizations—were formed to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions.

Among projects to be funded with the new round of grants are development of a world-class motor sports facility, located directly off I-81 in Oswego County, funding to assist the redevelopment of Mercy Hospital in Watertown  and broadband expansion to provide high-speed Internet access to more North Country communities.

More complete listings of funded projects can be found at the following links:

Central New York

Northern New York