Statement From Senator Patty Ritchie on Regional Economic Development Council Awards

Central and Northern New York both have tremendous potential for growth. Today, the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) announced $154.1 million in investments that will allow these regions to tap into that potential and create more opportunity throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties.

This year, the Central New York region—which includes Oswego County—was named a “top performer” and was awarded $86.2 million. Of that funding, $4.3 million will make possible 11 key projects in Oswego County. More than $1 million will help further redevelop the City of Fulton’s Nestle site and in turn, create much-needed jobs in the community. In the Village of Cleveland, $1 million will improve water infrastructure, helping to make the area more attractive to residents and businesses looking to locate in Central New York.

Also announced Thursday was $67.9 million for the North Country region. Projects receiving funding include those that will help boost the economy though job creation, including $1.24 million to help EZ STAK—an aluminum manufacturing business—move much of its production from Canada to Watertown. In addition, projects to increase tourism traffic received funding, including $120,000 to help the Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation launch a special marketing campaign. The effort will let travelers know that communities relying on tourism are still open for business following the record flooding of 2019.

Further north, SUNY Canton will receive $1.322 million to redevelop the blighted Midtown Plaza, located in the heart of the Village of Canton. Through this project, Midtown Plaza will be transformed into a mixed-use property featuring an entrepreneurship center, commercial space and residential housing. Additionally, nearly $300,000 will help the region capitalize on opportunities for encouraging anglers from across the globe to sport fish in the North Country. Through this funding, the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will develop a plan to promote fishing events, increase tourism and revitalize communities throughout the region.

Since its formation in 2011, the REDC program has helped advance a number of important projects across the region I represent. Awards announced today will help continue that momentum and I look forward to seeing how they help boost the economy, create jobs and improve the Central and Northern New York regions for all who call them “home.” For a full list of projects receiving funding, I invite you to click here.