Murphy announces $6M for economic development projects in the Hudson Valley

ALBANY, NY – Senator Terrence has announced a $6,087,979 windfall that will provide a healthy dose of economic subsidies for 15 economic development projects in the 40th Senate District.

The money is part of a statewide package of $700 million that was awarded to the Hudson Valley, New York City, the Capital Region, Finger Lakes, and Mohawk Valley by Governor Andrew Cuomo at the Governor’s sixth annual Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) awards held on Thursday in Albany. Since its inception in 2011, the REDC has brought more than $4.6 billion into communities throughout the state.

The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources.

“I want to congratulate all of the applicants who have worked so hard through this process,” Senator Murphy said. “The funds awarded by the REDC will empower local governments, businesses and private citizens, shape the future of their communities by funding projects that will improve infrastructure, and enhance other issues that will improve quality of life.”

“Replacing the Hollowbrook station is another step in the City’s modernization and revitalization. By utilizing sophisticated technologies we will ensure that the City’s sewer system will meet all water quality standards for decades to come,” said Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina. “And by establishing a Microenterprise Program promoting small businesses we will have a positive effect on the City’s continued economic growth by helping residents generate income, build assets and enhance their talents and skills.”

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said, “I was very proud to be at the state capital yesterday to see firsthand the fiscal reward of great teamwork. Congratulations to Mayor Shoenig, Village Clerk, Peter Hanson, Deputy Commissioner of Planning, Sandra Fusco and County Planner, Barbara Barossa of the Putnam County Planning Dept., as well as Senator Terrence Murphy for supporting this very important project. This 2 million dollar award speaks to the hope and the future of economic development here in Putnam County. As we close 2016, this is the perfect high note for the Year of Business Development.”

Brewster Mayor James Schoenig said, “The Village of Brewster is determined to implement Transit Oriented Development and become a thriving social and economic hub of the Harlem Valley once again. We will strengthen our community and contribute to Putnam County and the Hudson Valley Region’s continuous improvement. This $2,000,000 Empire State Development Grant comes at a perfect time as we are on the leading edge of transformation and in continued partnership with Putnam County, our preferred developer, and the supportive partners who have helped us along the way, we can invigorate our community and become a vibrant place to live, work and play. We are delighted that Empire State Development has chosen Putnam County in partnership with the Village of Brewster to be the recipient of this grant.”

The award amounts are:

Westchester County

City of Peekskill – $1,050,000
The City of Peekskill will receive money for three projects:

1. City Wide Clean Water Analysis – $100,000 to complete an engineering report to develop a plan for the overflow, inflow and infiltration problems within the City’s sewer system.

2. Microenterprise Program – $200,000 to assist in the establishment of a microenterprise program.

3. Hollowbrook Pump Station – $750,000 to replace the Hollowbrook Pump Station.

Town of Somers – $847,500
As part of the Lake Shenorock Improvement Project, the Town of Somers will put stormwater retrofits in place to treat stormwater. The project will reduce phosphorus entering the lake and improve water quality.

Village of Briarcliff Manor (including Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow) – $602,879
The Villages of Briarcliff Manor, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow will consolidate their water supply and transmission function to ease the stress from high property taxes and fees on property owners and residents. The project will include upgrading two pump stations that provide water to the three communities.

Village of Sleepy Hollow – $59,929
Sleepy Hollow will update its 1997 Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) by incorporating resiliency to mitigate future climate risks from any rises in sea level. The LWRP will also serve as a strategic plan to guide development within the Village’s waterfront revitalization area.

Town of Mount Kisco -$144,234
The Town of Mount Kisco and the Town of New Castle will share monitoring of water supply and filtration functions, a move that could save $43,000 per year. This will also extend the life of equipment, reducing repair and replacement costs.

New York Medical College – $750,000
The funds will be used to create a large primary care multi-specialty Dental Clinic for the Mid-Hudson Region. Touro College of Dental Medicine, the first dental college in New York in nearly 50 years, opened its doors to 112 students this past fall and expects to reach an enrollment of 440 students by 2019.

Historic Hudson Valley – $559,937
Historic Hudson Valley will receive money for two projects:

1. Philipsburg Manor Bridge and Wharf – $400,000 to complete the restoration of Philpsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow.

2. Fall Tourism Special Event – $159, 937 to promote The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, a 32-night event in October and November 2017. The event, the largest ticketed Halloween event in the tri-state area, includes a walk-through art installation at Van Cortlandt Manor.

Copland House – $40.500
Copland House will expand the position of Director of Education and Community Outreach to help promote the growth of its in-school and on-site programs for young people and families throughout the state.

Greater Hudson Heritage Network – $9,238
Funds will be used to produce a plan to promote the Regional Pathfinder Project through tourism, training and programming.

Magic Box Productions, Inc. – $28,000
Magic Box Productions, Inc. will hire a Development Officer to expand its fundraising efforts to sustain the organization’s growth and support programming to underserved students.

Putnam County

Putnam County Jointly With the Village of Brewster – $2,000,000
Putnam County and the Village of Brewster will initiate the first phase of a multi-phased plan for the Village that includes proposals for a Transit Orientated Development and a museum. The overall revitalization plan encompassing reconstruction of the Village’s Main Street and the Garden Street Elementary School.

KAS Spirits, LLC (Mahopac) – $5,000
The company will increase production of KAS KRUPNIKAS, a spiced honey liquor. KAS Spirits will invest in equipment, production, sales and office staff in anticipation of increased sales due to new contracts with distributors in New York and Connecticut.