Statement from Senator Patty Ritchie on Regional Economic Development Council Awards

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Today, people across our region have reason to celebrate—that’s because though the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) program, Central and Northern New York will receive investments—totaling over $123 million—in key projects that will revitalize the local economy, create jobs and build on the work we’ve done to create more opportunities for the hardworking men and women who call this part of our state “home.”

In Oswego County, funding awarded to the City of Oswego will improve access to our waterways and attract more tourists to Central New York.  In addition, investments benefitting a manufacturing facility home to Northland Filter International will help to protect jobs and ensure the company remains in New York State.  Other investments—like funding awarded to the Town of Richland for upgrades to the Haldane Center—will improve the quality of life for individuals and families, helping to keep Oswego County as a great place to live and work.

Further north in Jefferson County, the City of Watertown will benefit from major investments that will boost its Downtown and help the area attract new businesses.  Funding awarded to the Hi-Lite Group will allow the company to build a new headquarters in the North Country, helping the company to grow and create new opportunities locally. And, support for Jefferson Community College will allow for the implementation of a program that will connect veterans and soldiers transitioning out of the military with high-demand, good-paying jobs.

Funding awarded to projects in St. Lawrence County—including support for the Oswegatchie River Blueway Trail and the Canton Grasse River Waterfront Revitalization Plan —will harness the beauty of the North Country to foster economic growth.  In addition, an exciting new project receiving funding will establish 40 acres of greenhouses for growing fresh produce, capitalizing on the “eat local movement” and in turn, creating jobs in St. Lawrence County.   

For years now, the REDC awards have pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into hundreds of projects across the region I represent, successfully helping to create economic growth, much-needed jobs and exciting, new opportunities for the people who live here.  I would like to thank the Governor for recognizing the potential Central and Northern New York have for the future and look forward to seeing how these projects change our region for the better.