Empire State Development news and press releases
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Press Release
Monday, August 15, 2022 - 3:00pm
Advanced Funding Jumpstarts Four Major Projects on the Outer Harbor and at Canalside
$87 Million Project Underway at DL&W Terminal for New Commercial Activity Center and Metro Rail Station
Roadway and Safety Improvements to Tifft Street and Louisiana Street Will Create Waterfront Parkways
Projects Increase Waterfront Accessibility and Recreation, Will Help Further Boost Development
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the acceleration of several significant projects along Buffalo's waterfront. Advanced funding from the New York Power Authority to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation will jumpstart four major projects on the Outer Harbor and at Canalside. These projects complement recreation and transportation measures that will promote pedestrian access and continued equitable growth of the waterfront. This accelerated plan builds on more than a decade of progress spearheaded by ECHDC to restore 21 historic acres at Canalside and 200 acres on Buffalo's Outer Harbor that has resulted in more than $300 million in new development and over 1,000 annual events.
"We're writing Buffalo's comeback story, and it starts with tapping into the unlimited potential of our city, including parks, infrastructure and amenities," Governor Hochul said. "We're going to completely transform our waterfront into a destination for everyone to enjoy, and we're investing now to get these projects off the ground and finished earlier than expected. I thank Representative Higgins for prioritizing these projects and for his partnership to ensure that future generations of New Yorkers can enjoy all the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that our state has to offer."
At the direction of Governor Hochul, NYPA will advance Relicensing Agreement (RA) and Industrial Incentive Award (IIA) payments to ECHDC, which otherwise would have been due over the course of nearly a decade. The NYPA Board of Trustees approved the acceleration of RA payments in March and is expected to review the acceleration of IIA payments in September. As a result, ECHDC will have access to $54.2 million this year, which will accelerate planned projects along Buffalo's waterfront, in some cases by as much as 3 years. ECHDC has identified Wilkeson Pointe, the Bell Slip, the Gateway Building at Canalside and the Buffalo Riverwalk Feasibility Study as initial priorities for use of this funding. NYPA has previously made $72.1 million available to ECHDC in support of its project work. Over the course of the 50-year operating license for the Niagara Power Project, NYPA is providing more than $1 billion worth of benefits to Western New York.
$25 million in upgrades will also be made to Buffalo Harbor State Park with the installation of a splash pad near the existing playground and shade structures. The projects will also expand the existing playground to include four new accessible play pieces. Project renderings are available here.
Read the full press release here.
Public Notice
Thursday, August 11, 2022 - 2:00pm
View all grants to be presented at the batch virtual public hearing.
Press Release
Thursday, August 11, 2022 - 12:36pm
First-in-the-Nation Legislation Offers Financial Assistance in Exchange for New Jobs, Capital Investment, and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Companies Must Deliver Tangible Community Benefits, Including Prevailing Wage, Workforce Training, and Programs To Expand Opportunities for Disadvantaged Populations
Prepares New York to Take Advantage of Major Economic Opportunities Created by Federal CHIPS and Science Bill Signed into Law by President Biden This Week
Governor Hochul today signed the groundbreaking, first-in-the-nation Green CHIPS legislation (S.9467/ A.10507) aimed at creating jobs, kick-starting economic growth and maintaining important environmental protections while making New York a hub for semiconductor (also known as "chips") manufacturing. Green CHIPS will help New York capitalize on a historic opportunity to attract chip manufacturers to the state, generating at least $3 billion investment, creating 500 new jobs per project, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions related to chip production. In doing so, the legislation will also help to make the everyday technologies that use these chips more affordable and improve the state's economic standing overall.
This new law also positions New York State to greatly benefit from the federal CHIPS and Science Act to increase domestic semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, which was signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden earlier this week. New York's Green CHIPS bill will help the State to conform to the requirements of the federal program, enhancing its competitiveness against other states looking to attract chip manufacturers, all while ensuring this expansion of advanced manufacturing is environmentally sustainable.
"New York is poised to lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing — and as always, we're doing it in the cleanest, greenest way possible," Governor Hochul said. "This transformative legislation, in addition to longstanding investments in this industry and bipartisan action from the federal government, takes a significant step forward in creating jobs and sparking economic growth in New York. If you're looking for a high-tech job or trying to relocate your business, there's no better place than New York State."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, August 9, 2022 - 10:54am
All Selected Finalists Are International Teams Highlighting the Global Reach of the Program and Region’s UAS Ecosystem
GENIUS NY is Supported by “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the five GENIUS NY companies selected to participate in round six of the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed systems. The companies, which are developing innovations in the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), internet of things (IoT) and robotics industries, were selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 200 submissions from over 50 countries. The five finalists are all international teams, representing Canada, the Netherlands, Israel, Poland and the United Kingdom. GENIUS NY participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year. The program is funded through the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI), the region’s award-winning strategic plan to generate robust economic growth and community development.
Empire State Development Acting President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight, said, “These selected GENIUS NY Round Six finalists are ready to take flight, adding to the cohort of forward-thinking innovators that have been drawn to this unique business accelerator competition which is elevating Central New York's unmatched UAS assets and infrastructure."
The selected finalists are:
Archangel Imaging, Ltd. (United Kingdom) deploys smart machines alongside people to protect valuable assets and at-risk staff in remote or challenging places. Whether its cables being stolen, oil being tapped or elephants poached for ivory, Archangel provides the ability for the security team to know before these incidents are about to happen and immediately intervene or follow up.
AVSS - Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions, Inc. (Canada) produces a parachute recovery system and flight termination system that is commercializing drone technology for Urban Air Mobility (UAM). AVSS’s products are distributed worldwide through their more than 50 authorized dealers’ network and sold directly to drone manufacturers across the world.
Dronehub (Poland) develops autonomous charging docks for drones that help companies with large infrastructure to reduce monitoring costs, get real-time aerial data, and exclude the human factor. Dronehub helps industries to collect real-time precise aerial data, process it and automate operations.
Fusion Engineering (Netherlands) are working to create the most reliable, flexible and easy-to-use flight controller for any type of multirotor drone. Fusion Engineering builds innovative flight control algorithms to ensure more accurate positioning, disturbance rejection and fault tolerance.
Wonder Robotics (Israel) is a leading provider of intelligent and robust autonomous solutions for commercial drone and unmanned platform applications, focusing on the drone delivery and Urban Advance Mobility (UAM/AAM) markets by utilizing highly advanced vision-based capabilities for mission enable and safety.
The selected teams will begin the in-residence accelerator at The Tech Garden, CenterState CEO’s regional business incubator, in the coming weeks, and will be immersed in the incubator's business workshops, events, resource pool and mentoring. The GENIUS NY Pitch Finals will be held Nov. 3, and teams will compete for $3 million in investments, including a $1 million grand prize. Throughout the program, companies will also receive stipends, resources, programming, investor demo days and networking opportunities.
“We are excited to welcome these teams to Central New York and get to work advancing their business plans and technologies,” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “Over the coming year, they will be connected to local businesses for strategic guidance and operational support and be immersed in the tech startup and UAS ecosystems. In addition to high-impact programmatic and business support provided by GENIUS NY, participants will also become more connected to our local community through events and social engagements.”
“The fact that each of these GENIUS NY finalists are international teams highlights the strength of the program and the industry’s recognition that Central New York is the single best place to grow your UAS company,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “In addition to the resources provided by the program these teams will also become part of Central New York’s robust tech ecosystem. We proudly welcome this new cohort to our community and are excited to work with these companies to ensure their companies evolve and grow here.”
The GENIUS NY competition has been renewed through round 10 by ESD. The program has attracted more than 26 startups to Central New York since its inception in 2017. To date, the innovative teams have gone on to raise more than $90 million in venture capital and have created more than 60 upstate New York jobs.
Senator Rachel May said, “It’s an exciting time for CNY as our technology and innovation sector booms. We must continue to grow, bringing more tech businesses and high-paying jobs to the area. GENIUS NY is doing just that by welcoming innovative companies that are at the forefront of uncrewed systems technology and will no doubt benefit our local community in many ways.”
Senator John W. Mannion said, “GENIUS NY is strategically building on Central New York’s strength as a hub for UAS technology and is attracting upstart companies from around the world to join our established research, design, and innovation ecosystem. I warmly welcome these companies to the region and will work with my colleagues across government and the private sector to ensure they have the support and resources they need to succeed.”
Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “Congratulations to the finalists. The GENIUS NY Competition continues to help Central New York maintain its status as a hub for innovative companies exploring uses for unmanned aerial systems and other leading-edge technologies. The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for grown in our Central New York region.”
Assemblyman Al Stirpe said, "After the challenges of the past two-plus years, we must make Central New York's recovery a top priority and work diligently to boost the regional economy, create good-paying jobs and better support hardworking families. The sixth round of the GENIUS NY accelerator helps further our revitalization and strengthens our region's position as a leader in the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) industry and other high-tech manufacturing fields. Representing a wide range of nations, the five finalists demonstrate the program's international reach and promise good things to come for Central New York."
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Round six of the exciting GENIUS NY competition will continue to build on the success we've experienced as people come from across the world to Central New York. This innovative competition provides these entrepreneurs with the available tools and resources they need to ensure their long-term success in the region."
City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “The GENIUS NY competition has aided in expanding our entrepreneurial and tech cultures and brought energy and excitement to the Syracuse Surge -- our strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy. I look forward to the innovative ideas that the five teams bring to round six of GENIUS NY, and thank Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and CenterState CEO for continued investments in this important economic development initiative."
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-chairs Randy Wolken, president and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), and, Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, "We are incredibly excited to see what the selected teams will bring to the table for round six. Through our continued support for the GENIUS NY competition, we are ensuring that New York state remains at the forefront of the uncrewed systems industry in Central New York, creating new opportunities and jobs for residents in the region for decades to come."
To learn more about GENIUS NY visit, www.geniusny.com.
To learn more about CenterState CEO, visit: www.centerstateceo.com.
Accelerating CNY Rising
Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. The region is accelerating CNY Rising with a $500 million state investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The state’s $500 million investment is helping incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Shari Vincent | [email protected] | (585)399-7055 | (800) 260-7313
Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Report
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 - 1:12pm
As required by statute, these reports contain the status of economic development programs administered by Empire State Development. Funding for the projects listed herein was approved by ESD during Fiscal Year 2022-23.
Quarterly Status Report - First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Quarterly Status Report - Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Press Release
Saturday, July 30, 2022 - 6:00pm
Second Round of East Side Commercial Districts Program in Buffalo Includes $4 Million in Additional Funding and Expanded Building Renovation Program
Applications for $20 Million Buffalo East Homeowner Assistance Fund Program, $10 Million Buffalo East Home Improvement Program, $4.5 Million East Buffalo Down Payment Assistance Plus Program to Open on August 9
Part of Governor's Historic $50 Million Targeted Investments in East Buffalo
Starting August 3, Residents Can Call 211 to Learn More About Programs
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications are open for comprehensive programs supporting residents of East Buffalo as part of the state's historic $50 million targeted investments. The Governor announced applications WILL BE available MONDAY for THE second round of the $4 million East Side Commercial Districts Program, which is creating an expanded building renovation program in four investment areas—Jefferson Avenue Commercial District, MLK Park Business District, Broadway Fillmore, and Kensington Bailey—to improve the business climate, combat commercial vacancies, and contribute to the corridors' overall revitalization. Additionally, Governor Hochul announced that applications for the $20 million Buffalo East Homeowner Assistance Fund, $10 million Buffalo East Home Improvement Program, and $4.5 million East Buffalo Down Payment Assistance Plus Program will open on Tuesday, August 9. Starting Wednesday, August 3, residents can call 211 to learn about our housing programs and small business grants and how to apply.
"As members of the East Buffalo community continue to heal from this terrible tragedy, we remain committed to taking on systemic challenges to help recover and build back stronger," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "On this Day of Hope and Healing, I am proud to announce these vital resources available to East Buffalo residents in collaboration with the City, the County, community members and other partners."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "With the launch of applications for the second round of the East Side Commercial Districts Program, we will begin to see capital investments that will transform these commercial districts, developing and enhancing businesses and increasing mixed-use opportunities that better serve and revitalize these Buffalo neighborhoods."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Thursday, July 28, 2022 - 5:25pm
Global Leader in Wireless Technology Officially Opens Factory of the Future and Only U.S.-Owned 5G Campus in the United States; Commits to Creating More Than 200 New Jobs
New York State Investment in Transformative Project Complements "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul today visited 5G-wireless technology leader JMA Wireless to help officially open its new headquarters in Central New York. JMA relocated its operations to Syracuse's southeast gateway adjacent to the city center on Cortland Avenue. The global innovator of software-based 5G technology will invest $100 million in this multi-phase project. The sprawling campus, spanning a city block, currently houses JMA's headquarters and factory of the future. JMA manufactures its most advanced 5G equipment at the site, including radios, embedded antennas, and millimeter wave products.
"JMA's expansion into Syracuse will unlock hundreds of new jobs and further establish Central New York as a hub for innovation," Governor Hochul said. "This multi-million dollar investment is a testament to our transformative, regionally focused economic development strategy. By initiating policies that attract growing businesses to our communities, we are building economic momentum across Upstate New York and upholding our commitment to creating the jobs and technologies of the future."
the critical first step to restoring American leadership in global wireless technology, as we establish Syracuse as a national 5G hub. We appreciate Governor Hochul's partnership as we add more than 200 jobs and invest over $100 million in Central New York."
This New York State-supported project complements efforts by the City and County to develop a strong tech corridor from downtown into the South Side, making Central New York a center for 5G and smart city development. The project is expected to create more than 200 jobs in a distressed neighborhood adjacent to downtown. These jobs will range from entry level to advanced engineering. Empire State Development is providing a $5 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant to assist with this project.
Additionally, in 2017, JMA invested $34 million to relocate its out-of-state operations to Liverpool. There, the company exceeded their hiring commitment of 145 jobs, creating more than 200 new jobs at that location as well as meeting the investment commitment in half the expected time.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we are continuing to attract global innovators like JMA Wireless that understand New York State offers a unique tech talent pool to support their growth. The wireless technology leader's decision to locate its new global HQ in Syracuse - and to open the country's only U.S.- owned 5G campus here - reflects New York State's focus on growing an innovation economy to create the jobs of tomorrow."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 - 5:00pm
Critical Milestone Advances Governor's Proposal to Renovate and Potentially Expand Penn and Fund Public Realm and Transit Improvements Without Raising Taxes or Fares on New Yorkers
Project Components Include Station Reconstruction and Potential Expansion; Up to 708 Units of Affordable and Supportive Housing; Vibrant Open Space; and Enhancements to Streets, Sidewalks, and Transit Infrastructure
Vote Follows ESD Board Approval of Penn Station General Project Plan
Information on Project Financing, Costs, and Cost-Sharing Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today applauded the Public Authorities Control Board's vote to approve a financial framework supporting her proposal to rebuild and potentially expand Penn Station and reactivate the surrounding area. The unanimous vote marks a major step toward actualizing the Governor's plan, which includes the construction of a new, modern train station; up to 1,800 units of housing - including hundreds of affordable and supportive housing units - brand-new, state-of-the-art office space; 8 acres of open space; and enhancements to the streets, sidewalks, and local transit infrastructure. It also affirms the State's commitment to delivering the project without raising taxes on New Yorkers or fares on transit riders.
Last week, Empire State Development's Board of Directors voted to approve the Pennsylvania Station Area Civic and Land Use Improvement Project's General Project Plan, Governor Hochul's vision to reimagine Penn Station and the surrounding area.
"For far too long, Penn Station has been an overcrowded, cramped, and neglected mess. This vote is a major milestone in our plan to fix Penn Station and transform the surrounding neighborhood," Governor Hochul said. "New Yorkers deserve a station they can be proud of, quality affordable housing to call home, walkable streets and sidewalks, and easy access to transit. This plan will provide all of that and more. I thank the Public Authorities Control Board for their approval, and I look forward to continued engagement with elected partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders as we move this project forward and deliver a station worthy of New York."
"For decades there has been talk of building a new Penn Station, but now we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a station worthy of the greatest city in the world," said New York City Eric Adams. "Future generations of New Yorkers will see the new Penn Station as proof that New York City can achieve big things, even during challenging times. I applaud the PACB for this historic vote, which will bring a world-class transit hub, quality jobs, and much-needed affordable housing to our city. I also want to thank Governor Hochul, as well as Governor Murphy and our partners at the MTA, Amtrak, and NJ Transit, for demonstrating that government can work quickly and collaboratively to 'Get Stuff Done.'"
Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Governor Hochul's vision for a world-class Penn Station and revitalized surrounding neighborhood is the positive, long overdue transformation that New Yorkers deserve. Not only is the plan a win-win for riders, residents, and commuters, it is also a forceful catalyst for New York's long-term economic development. Transit-oriented development is a model of sustainable growth, and we are proud of the open, public process this project has gone through over the last two years, strengthened by the input of civic groups and community members who made their voices heard and helped improve the plan."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 - 4:18pm
Seeks to Procure at Least 2,000 Megawatts of Renewable Energy, Enough to Power 1.5 Million Homes
Implements Nation-Leading $500 Million Offshore Wind Infrastructure Investment, New Commitments to Support U.S. Iron and Steel, Stakeholder Engagement, Jobs, and Workforce Development
Flagship Transmission Design Enhances Grid Resiliency and Promotes Regional Offshore Wind Transmission Designs
Supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Develop 9,000 Megawatts of Offshore Wind by 2035
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the release of New York's third competitive offshore wind solicitation, seeking enough clean, renewable energy to power at least 1.5 million New York homes. The procurement, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, includes the first phase of the nation-leading $500 million investment in offshore wind ports, manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure as announced in the Governor's 2022 State of the State. Today's announcement builds on a series of significant offshore wind developments for the State in 2022, including the groundbreaking of New York's first offshore wind project, and is a critical next step toward achieving New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.
"New York is proud to continue leading the way in offshore wind development while establishing a blueprint for building a locally-based green economy," Governor Hochul said. "Today we are putting words into action and making it clear that New York State is the national hub of the offshore wind industry. The clean energy transition is driving significant private investment and family-sustaining jobs in communities across the state, and we are setting ourselves up for success with a brighter and more sustainable future."
New York State Energy Research and Development President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Releasing our third offshore wind solicitation provides a further opportunity to revolutionize our economy and continue to build a thriving offshore wind industry right here in New York as we continue to grow our nation-leading renewable energy project pipeline. We continue to prioritize a transition that is cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and benefits all New Yorkers - and we look forward to partnering with project developers who share those same goals."
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Building a cleaner, more sustainable, and resilient New York, requires bold action that will help us achieve our ambitious climate goals. A critical piece of that effort is offshore wind energy and New York's nation-leading work to ensure that industry continues to grow in our communities, creating jobs and providing clean, renewable energy for years to come."
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York is the country's leading offshore wind hub, and today's announcement further advances our ambitious clean energy goals. We are committed to clean energy and public-private partnerships that will fuel economic development and growth while moving New Yorkers toward a green future."
Read the full press release here.