Local Economic Development Projects Win Big

ALBANY, 12/18/18 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) today announced that over $326 million was awarded to the four regions of the state he represents through the eighth round of Regional Economic Development Council awards.

“The Regional Economic Development Council approach, now in its eighth year, is one I have supported since its inception because it ensures projects with local backing will receive the extra boost they need to succeed,” said Senator Seward.  “The award winning projects in the 51st Senate District truly represent our region’s character with agriculture-based food and beverage companies, tourism-related businesses, and manufacturing ventures, along with key infrastructure upgrades, leading the way.”

REDC grant award winners in Senator Seward’s district include: $5 million for Empire State Greenhouses in Cobleskill; $625,000 for SUNY Cobleskill Farm & Food Business Incubator; $1 million for Village of Middleburgh waste water treatment plant upgrades; $1 million for Village of Sharon Springs water system upgrades; $1.935 million for Human Technologies Corp. expansion in Herkimer County; $1.8 million for Herkimer County IDA upgrades at the Manheim Business Park; $100,000 for the Village of Sidney waterfront revitalization program; $200,000 for the City of Cortland Microenterprise Assistance Program; $850,000 for Ruby Glass and Andela Products expansion in Richfield Springs: $300,000 for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown;

“I was extremely pleased to offer my support throughout the grant application process and congratulate the many award winners from the 51st Senate District.  The number and quality of winning projects demonstrates the hard work and attention that local leaders in business, education, economic development, and government have poured into the process.  These grants will lead to long-term dividends for our region,” Senator Seward added.

A total of over $763 million is being awarded for economic development projects in ten different regions of New York State.  Senator Seward represents portions of the Central New York, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Tier regions.   Central New York, Mid-Hudson, and Mohawk Valley were named REDC “top performers” and received higher awards.  

“The Regional Economic Development Council grant program has changed how we deliver state funding to our local businesses and municipalities.  More needs to be done to ensure we are creating opportunities for real growth – that is one of my top priorities moving forward,” Senator Seward concluded.

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A complete list of grant awardees can be found at: https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/2018REDCAwardBooklet.pdf.