Governor Cuomo has announced that the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (STREDC) is one of three New York State Upstate Revitalization (URI) winners. As a URI winner, the Southern Tier has been granted $500 million to be allocated over the next five years to implement transformational economic development initiatives.
“We are very excited about this announcement and applaud the Governor’s decision in selecting the Southern Tier as a winning region,” said Jeff Confer, chairman of the Board of Directors of SCOPED. “This win validates the efforts that have been made to date in our region.”
As one of eight counties in the Southern Tier, Schuyler County has four projects that are in line for funding in the first year alone. These projects include: (1) an Ultra Premium Beverage Center at the Schuyler County Business Park, (2) a Vineyard Reclamation program to provide low-interest loans to vineyards looking to upgrade to Vinifera grapes varieties or re-plant abandoned vineyards, (3) the establishment of the Southern Tier Agriculture Education Fund, including a Viticulture NYS Certified Apprenticeship Program and (4) additional funding for the Watkins Glen-Montour Falls regional wastewater treatment plant.
In addition, Project Seneca’s efforts to continue the revitalization of the Seneca Lake waterfront and canalway were specifically identified as a “Signature Project” in year 2 and beyond.
“This award will provide the additional resources that are critical for the betterment of the businesses and workers in our community,” said Judy McKinney Cherry, CEcD, Executive Director of SCOPED and member of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council.
For additional information about the URI and projects within Schuyler County, visit the Project Seneca page of the SCOPED website: www.FLXGateway.com/project-seneca/uri

Empire State Development, New York State’s economic development organization, is making grant funding available for new farmers.  There is $1,000,000 in funds available to support beginning farmers who have chosen farming as a career and who materially and substantially participate in the production of an agricultural product on their farm. These grants will help farmers improve profitability resulting in the growth of agribusiness and the concomitant tax revenues within the state.

To learn more and to apply, visit the website:  http://esd.ny.gov/businessprograms/newfarmersgrantfund.html

Applications must be postmarked by January 22, 2016.