Seward Plays Key Role in Review of Economic Plans

ALBANY, 10/20/15 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today joined in reviewing the 2015 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) progress reports and Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) plans.  Senator Seward is one of two New York State Senate representatives appointed to the 2015 Strategic Implementation Assessment Team (SIAT).

“New York State’s economic future is at stake, and these blueprints are essential to our success,” said Senator Seward.  “By taking a lead role in the process, I have an opportunity to review the proposals, ask questions of the architects, and learn the nuts and bolts of each plan.  I look at this assignment as a chance to weigh in on this year’s grant winners, and to discover creative new strategies that could have future value.”     

Each of the ten Regional Economic Development Councils from around the state will make a presentation to the SIAT over a three day period.

According to Empire State Development, since 2011, nearly $3 billion has been awarded through the REDC process to support over 3,100 projects statewide that are supporting the creation of retention of more than 150,000 jobs statewide.

Later this fall, economic development grants will again be awarded through the REDC competition.  Additionally, three selected REDCs will receive up to $500 million each through the URI to implement over a five-year period.

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