News for the ‘In the News’ Category
The North Country Regional Economic Development Council has been named one of four “Best Plan Awardees” by New York State for its Strategic Plan submitted in November. The North Country, which is composed of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, will receive $103.2 million in state support for 70 projects across the region.
The Council’s Strategic Plan is the product of an unprecedented level of collaboration and cooperation from hundreds of North Country residents across the largest region in the State. Council Co-Chairs Garry Douglas and Tony Collins praised the tremendous work of the Council and thanked its partners and the public for their involvement. The planning process involved Regional Council members, stakeholders from across the region, community input gathered during public forums and workshops held throughout the region, and comment submitted on the Council’s website.
Recent headlines that highlight last week’s Award of $103.2 million announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo for the North Country Regional Economic Development Council’s Strategic Plan:
Plattsburgh Press-Republican editoral: http://pressrepublican.com/0200_opinion/x1181957224/Editorial-Sterling-effort-well-rewarded
Watertown Daily Times editorial: http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20111210/OPINION01/712109989
Albany Legislative Gazette: http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2011-12-12-81127.113122-Economic-plans-are-a-great-piece-of-work.html
Here in the Adirondack North Country, we take pride in having a “do it yourself” approach.
- When a ski hill had been closed for many years, residents of Tupper Lake decided to resurrect it and run it themselves.
- People in Saranac Lake came together to create their newly opened Community Store.
- Communities are working hard to bring high-speed internet connectivity to our rural areas.
- The cties of Watertown and Plattsburgh have reinvented themselves, attracting aerospace and rail transit equipment, manufacturing, and diverse other investments.
- Wind, hydro, biomass and other renewable energy projects are happening right here across the region.
These collective efforts put us where we are today, on the cusp of a new and transformational period.
Today we celebrate a big win for the North Country: $103.2 million in state funding has been awarded to 70 projects across the region.
In a ceremony in Albany this morning, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that $785 million has been awarded to the 10 Regional Economic Development Councils. In a new approach to economic development that emphasizes a regional approach, each council was tasked with creating a comprehensive strategic plan to create jobs and stimulate growth.
Of the 10 plans Statewide, the North Country was among four awarded “Best Plan” designation, which brings a larger percentage of the funds allocated Statewide, resulting in more projects being supported.
Many people contributed to building this long-term roadmap that’s designed to attract private investment, promote and facilitate connectivity between communities, and create a climate that will allow entrepreneurs to flourish. We can accomplish this vision by capitalizing on the region’s natural assets, talented labor pool, and entrepreneurial character.
Projects included in the plan are intended to launch the region’s transformation by focusing on high-tech and traditional manufacturing, green energy production, agriculture, tourism, and arts and culture.
For a full appendix of these projects, go to:
http://www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/CFAAWARDSBooklet.pdf
Here is some initial media coverage of the news:
http://pressrepublican.com/breaking2/x704607209/North-Country-among-top-four-for-funding
http://blogs.northcountrypublicradio.org/inbox/
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20111208/NEWS09/111209861
http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/94401/state-awards-funding-to-wny-cny-north-county-li/
Adirondack Architectural Heritage supports the preservation of the contributing historic features, including the railroad tracks themselves, of the New York Central Railroad, Adirondack Division, corridor, which is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. AARCH also supports the multiple public and nonprofit use concept for the corridor as envisioned and outlined in its management plan.
By Sharon O’Brien, ANCA’s Scenic Byways Program Coordinator
The new recreation path that will be built alongside the tracks within the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor will retain access to nature observation for key groups of people typically underserved: people with mobility challenges, as well as families with small children and senior citizens. As currently planned and funded, the recreational path will connect Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, two communities along the 170-mile Olympic Scenic Byway. This exciting project allows us to begin implementing local and regional goals from three adopted management plans for Adirondack North Country Scenic Byways, including improved accessibility.
The project will serve the interests of all and does not neglect those with limited access to wilderness due to mobility challenges. The town of North Elba, with ANCA’s assistance, will be constructing a path for walkers, hikers, cross-country skiers and bicyclists while maintaining a corridor for snowmobilers. Of importance, this trail will work in conjunction with the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, which has been using its open-air car to provide a safe and up-close view of nature for those with mobility issues. One coach car with lifts at both ends and wide doors is also available on every summer run. It has been adapted as the dedicated “Access Car” and holds up to six wheelchairs.