News for the ‘Good News’ Category
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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/
In an awards ceremony this morning in Albany, the North Country Regional Economic Development Council’s Strategic Plan received Best Plan designation. Among the 10 Councils Statewide, four were awarded the top tier status. The award brings $103.2 million in funding to the North Country region, comprised of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis counties.
More news to follow….
Governor Andrew Cuomo will be announcing which of the 10 regional economic development councils will receive the largest funding awards in an event at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Albany.
The awards ceremony will be broadcast live at http://governor.ny.gov/.
The 10 regional councils are vying for a total of $200 million in state funding tax incentives being offered by the state for innovative projects that will stimulate the economy, create jobs and benefit residents.
Last week, the councils made their pitches in Albany before a five-member grading panel, which will decide the winners. The regional councils are made up of community and business leaders.
More information on the North Country plan can be found here: