Workshop Offers Guidance on State's Consolidated Funding Application Process
The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) today held its second meeting of 2018 in Lake Placid, Essex County. The meeting provided the Council with an opportunity to receive updates from various workgroups, and review strategies ahead of the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) deadline. During today’s meeting, the Council also welcomed two new members: Timmy J. Currier, Village of Massena Mayor; and Edward W. "Fritz" Keel, Advocate Drum Executive Director.
Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce and NCREDC co-chair, said, "The REDC has now finalized all of its preparations for this year's competition for state economic development investments. It's now up to the region's businesses, localities and non-profits to develop and submit strong proposals by July 27. The more and stronger the applications, the more state investment we will attract. Any potential applicants who were unable to attend one of the CFA workshops or who need guidance as they work on their applications should contact Empire State Development in Plattsburgh or Watertown. Onward and upward!"
Anthony G. Collins, President of Clarkson University and NCREDC co-chair, said, "Based on broad public input that underpins the NCREDC’s vision and strategies, we set out in 2011 to create the greenest energy economy in the state and have made great strides in this area. NYSERDA initiatives like the new Net Zero Energy Economic Development Program demonstrate how Governor Cuomo and our elected officials are working together with the regional communities to further advance the opportunities our residents and businesses want to see to grow jobs as well as steward the natural environment."
New York State continues to provide outreach through workshops and forums in each of the seven counties across the North Country, outlining funding available for through state agencies this year. A CFA workshop was held in Lake Placid today following the meeting. More than $525 million will be awarded this year through the CFA process, with awardees announced at the annual REDC ceremony. The 2018 REDC Guidebook and list of available resources are available at www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 27 at 4 p.m., and applications are available at https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/.
The NCREDC, which is composed of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, is one of 10 regional councils across New York State. There are now 531 projects across the region, which have been awarded a total of $549.5 million in support from the State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
About the Regional Economic Development Councils
The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative is a key component of Governor Cuomo's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils 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.
After seven rounds of the REDC process, more than $5.4 billion has been awarded to more than 6,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans, projecting to create and retain more than 220,000 jobs. For more information on the Regional Councils, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.