Funding Will Support 53 Projects that Align with Region's Strategic Plan

Region Awarded Additional $10 Million to Support Future Local High-Impact Projects

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that the Mid-Hudson region was awarded more than $53.1 million through Governor Kathy Hochul's 2025 Regional Economic Development Council initiative. This funding will support 53 projects across seven counties, leveraging nearly $216.9 million in additional public and private investments. The Mid-Hudson region was also awarded $10 million to use toward future high-impact projects. 

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Governor Hochul’s REDCs continue to recommend proposals that will create jobs and spur new growth through a locally focused, bottom-up strategy to economic development. By awarding state funding to projects that align with regional priorities, New York is investing in new ideas, new efforts and new developments to promote community growth throughout the state." 

Secretary of State and REDC Chair Walter T. Mosley said, "I want to congratulate all the dedicated individuals who worked so hard in helping promote, shape and drive sustainable economic development in our communities. Over the years, the REDC initiative has created jobs, affordable housing and sparked economies all across our state and the Department of State has been proud to play a role. I look forward to witnessing the growth of our communities through this initiative and seeing these projects come to fruition."

Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young said, "The Mid-Hudson REDC is proud to support a diverse slate of projects that reflect the region’s long-term vision for inclusive, sustainable growth. These investments will help unlock new housing, strengthen our creative and tourism economies, and build vibrant downtowns across the region—delivering meaningful economic impact for communities throughout the Mid-Hudson."

Projects awarded funding in the Mid-Hudson region include: 

• City of Newburgh – $6.89 Million Pro-Housing Supply Fund grant: The City will modernize critical public infrastructure to allow for further development and enhanced quality of life. Infrastructure components include water, gas, sewer and road infrastructure. Grant funding will allow for at least three new mixed use housing projects to move forward, creating 209 new mixed income apartments in downtown Newburgh.

• Choice Films – $900,000 Regional Council Capital Fund grant: The company will build a new film and television production studio in the town of Montgomery. This new production stage will create hundreds of new film production jobs and allow Choice Films to work on even more projects at once, helping to meet the growing demand for production studios in the Hudson Valley.

• Kraftify, LLC – $500,000 Regional Council Capital Fund grant: Drowned Lands Brewery, located at the former Orange County Correctional Facility in Orange County, will diversify i brand through the transformation of their outdoor space into an outdoor event and festival destination and create a new tourist and community hub in the Hudson Valley. This expansion will allow for a wide range of potential on-site events from craft beverage festivals, corporate retreats, music festivals and family or community events.

A full list of projects across all 10 regions is available here.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

About Empire State Development

ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through ILOVENY. For more information, please visit ESD’s website here, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313