At the end of August, the Governor’s Strategic Initiative Assessment Team (SIAT) visited the Southern Tier and spent time touring completed and in-process projects that have been funded, in part, with grant dollars from the NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process through the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (STREDC).  This team plays a key role is evaluating past CFA performance and assessing regional plans for the $1.5 billion Upstate Revitalization Initiative competition.  One stop on the tour–as shown in the picture above–was Watkins Glen International, which received state funding to assist with the$10,000,000-$12,000,000 track pavement reconstruction project that is currently underway.

Shown in the picture above, from left to right, are: Harvey Stenger, President of Binghamton University and Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair ; Tom Trantor, President & CEO of Corning Enterprises and Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair; RoAnn Destito, Commissioner, New York State Office of General Services; Jerry Boone, New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance; Cesar A. Perales, New York State Secretary of State.

Watkins Glen International Speedway (WGI) in embarking an ambitious project to repave the entire racetrack.  The track was last repaved in 1998, but this project is much more extensive as it includes what amounts to tearing up the track and rebuilding it.  The last time the track had a make-over this significant was in the 1980s.  This $9,000,000-plus project was made possible, in part, but a sales tax abatement granted by the Schuyler County Industrial Development Authority (SCIDA).

SCIDA is a public benefit corporation organized under New York State General Municipal Law and is tasked with providing tax incentives to eligible and worth projects that create a greater economic development impact.  For example, it is estimated by WGI that the racetracks regional economic impact is over $200 million per year.  And the importance of the track to Schuyler County’s economy is not limited to NASCAR weekend.  According to WGI, there are 150-155 car clubs from throughout the northeast and beyond that rent the track throughout the seasons.  The impact of all these tourists—NASCAR fans and car club members alike— is felt by area restaurants, lodging facilities and shop owners.

On August 20, 2015, SCOPED held a Project Seneca Update for elected officials, the Project Seneca Steering Committee and SCOPED members.  During the event, presentations and status updates were provided for (1) the regional waste water treatment plant project, (2) the Watkins Glen canoe and kayak launch project, (3) the Middle Marina planning project and (4) the Watkins Glen Brewery Apartment project.  It was an opportunity for SCOPED to gain input from members and show elected officials that Schuyler County continues to be effective in implementing economic development initiatives.

To make sure you know the latest on all economic development projects in Schuyler County, become a member of SCOPED by joining here (add a link to the “Join” page”