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Press Release
Thursday, February 23, 2023 - 1:15pm
Budget Includes Over $151 Million for Department of Transportation Capital Projects in the Southern Tier; Over $23 Million for Local Road and Pothole Repairs
Includes $50 Million for Binghamton University to Continue Establishing Hub for Battery Technology Innovation
Traducción al español
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced details of key proposals from her Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget to grow jobs and boost the economy in the Southern Tier of New York. In line with the 2023 State of the State, the budget includes a major investment to increase housing supply and expand economic opportunity and innovation in the region.
“Through these transformative investments in housing, innovation, education, and infrastructure, we are building a better, brighter future for everyone who lives in the Southern Tier,” Governor Hochul said. “With this funding, cities and towns across the region can revitalize their neighborhoods, create more opportunity for New Yorkers, and make their communities safer, more affordable, and more livable to ensure everyone has the opportunity to pursue the New York Dream.”
Several of the budget proposals Governor Hochul announced today are in line with the Economic Innovation Plan announced in the 2023 State of the State to grow jobs and businesses by expanding economic opportunity and innovation across New York State through targeted investments, business support and other programming aimed at high-growth industries. The Governor's budget includes several initiatives to invest in higher education and improve local attractions across the state.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 3:20pm
New York's Flagship Eat Local, Drink Local Program Has Delivered Over $100 Million in Economic Impacts
Open House at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center Highlights New York State Farmers and Agricultural Producers and Regional Tourism Offerings
Series of Celebrations Planned at Taste NY Markets Across the State in 2023
Governor Kathy Hochul today kicked off the State's 10-year anniversary celebrations for Taste NY, New York's official 'eat local, drink local' program, at a special open house at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center in Geneva. The event showcased the diversity and uniqueness of New York State's farmers and food and beverage producers, as well as regional tourism destinations. Today's celebration marked the first in a series of events that are planned across the state in recognition of the 2023 10-year milestone and the program's success, which has brought over $100 million in economic impact to New York State producers.
"Over the last decade, Taste NY has become a recognizable brand known for quality, creativity, and passion," Governor Hochul said. "Taste NY is a cornerstone of our mission to promote New York's farmers and producers, showcasing the best food, beverage, and gift products from businesses in every corner of our great state. I'm proud to announce the year-long celebration of Taste NY's tenth anniversary today and look forward to continuing to support our agri-businesses and the breadth of our local New York products."
Taste NY has grown significantly since its launch and products can now be found at nearly 70 locations across New York State, including the 11 regional Welcome Centers, airports, State parks, the Javits Center, and more. Over the last decade Taste NY has also partnered with major sports venues, such as MVP Arena and the Blue Cross Arena, and formed partnerships with high profile event organizers to bring Taste NY products to major sporting events such as the PGA Tour, the 2023 FISU World University Games, and the Saratoga Race Course.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 1:00pm
Villages of Montour Falls and Waverly to Receive $4.5 Million Each
New $100 Million NY Forward Program Builds on Momentum of the Successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative to Support a More Equitable Downtown Recovery for New York’s Smaller and Rural Communities
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Villages of Montour Falls and Waverly will each receive $4.5 million in funding as the Southern Tier region winners of the first round of NY Forward. Building on the momentum of the State’s successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same “Plan-then-Act” strategy as the DRI to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York’s smaller and rural communities. As part of NY Forward Round One, two to three awards will be made to smaller communities in each of the state’s ten economic development regions to support development and implementation of a revitalization plan for their downtowns.
“Montour Falls and Waverly represent some of the best that New York State has to offer: natural beauty, a vibrant business community, thriving agriculture, and culturally rich historical sites,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to NY Forward, these communities will be able to leverage these assets and state funding to revitalize their downtowns, welcome even more workers and businesses, and transform their Main Streets into regional destinations. My administration remains committed to investing in local economies like these to give residents the jobs, the tools, and the infrastructure needed to thrive."
NY Forward is a central component of the State’s economic development efforts, working together with DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York’s downtowns. NY Forward serves smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature – focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development.
Like DRI, each NY Forward community will develop a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown through a slate of readily implementable projects. The Department of State will provide enhanced technical assistance to better support smaller communities that may have less capacity as part of the NY Forward program and fund projects appropriately scaled to the size of each community. Projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that elevate specific cultural, historical qualities that enhance the feeling of small-town charm.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 12:00pm
Downtown Revitalization Investments are a Critical Part of the State's Comprehensive Economic Development and Community Growth Strategy
State to Work with Residents, Community Leaders and Public Officials to Revitalize Johnson City's Downtown
Traducción al español
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Village of Johnson City will receive $10 million in funding as the Southern Tier winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. For DRI Round 6, each of the state's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million, to make for a total state commitment of $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.
“New York’s downtowns are the lifeblood of our communities,” Governor Hochul said. "This $10 million in funding awarded to the Village of Johnson City will help grow the local economy by attracting businesses and jobs, and will create a vibrant, diverse community that will uplift the downtown for generations to come."
The DRI serves as a component of the State's economic development policy by transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that oer a high quality of life and attract businesses, jobs and economic and housing diversity. Like past DRI rounds, each selected community will develop a strategic plan through a bottom-up, community-based planning process that articulates a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identies a list of signature projects that have transformative potential and leverage further private and public investments. The Department of State will then award DRI funds to selected projects with the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community's vision.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 5:03pm
Budget Includes $250 Million to Fund Housing Infrastructure; $20 Million for Planning Assistance
Includes $240 Million in Department of Transportation Capital Projects and $27 Million for Local Road Repairs
Traducción al español
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced details of key proposals from her Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget to grow jobs and boost the economy in the Mid-Hudson Region of New York. In line with the 2023 State of the State, the budget includes a major investment to increase housing supply and expand economic opportunity and innovation in the region.
"These significant investments in housing, education, and infrastructure in the Mid-Hudson region are critical to lifting up the local community and economy," Governor Hochul said. "This funding is building on efforts already underway to ensure the region is safe, affordable, and resilient to the challenges of the future -- creating a more prosperous Mid-Hudson region for generations to come."
Several of the budget proposals Governor Hochul announced today are in line with the Economic Innovation Plan announced in the 2023 State of the State to grow jobs and businesses by expanding economic opportunity and innovation across New York State through targeted investments, business support and other programming aimed at high-growth industries. The Governor's budget includes several initiatives to invest in higher education and improve local attractions across the state.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 3:41pm
Downtown Revitalization Investments are a Critical Part of the State's Comprehensive Economic Development and Community Growth Strategy
State to Work with Residents, Community Leaders and Public Officials to Revitalize Downtown Port Jervis
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the City of Port Jervis will receive $10 million in funding as the Mid-Hudson Region winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. For DRI Round 6, each of the state's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million, to make for a total state commitment of $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.
"Our Downtown Revitalization Initiative is helping communities across New York reinvigorate their downtowns, jumpstart their economies, and attract the businesses and jobs that allow residents to thrive," Governor Hochul said. "With this award, the City of Port Jervis will begin a new chapter toward revitalizing its downtown and growing its local economy as a scenic destination for community members and visitors alike."
The DRI serves as a component of the State's economic development policy by transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that oer a high quality of life and attract businesses, jobs and economic and housing diversity. Like past DRI rounds, each selected community will develop a strategic plan through a bottom-up, community-based planning process that articulates a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identies a list of signature projects that have transformative potential and leverage further private and public investments. The Department of State will then award DRI funds to selected projects with the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community's vision. As part of the FY 24 Executive Budget, Governor Hochul has proposed $100 million to fund an additional round of DRI.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 3:35pm
Village of Sleepy Hollow and Town of Cornwall to Receive $4.5 Million Each
New $100 Million NY Forward Program Builds on Momentum of the Successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative to Support a More Equitable Downtown Recovery for New York’s Smaller Communities
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Village of Sleepy Hollow, and the Town of Cornwall and the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, will each receive $4.5 million in funding as the two Mid-Hudson Region winners of the first round of NY Forward. Building on the momentum of the state’s successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same “Plan-then-Act” strategy as DRI to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York’s smaller and rural communities. During NY Forward Round One, two to three awards will be made to smaller communities in each of the state’s ten economic development regions to support development and implementation of a revitalization plan for their downtowns. As part of the FY24 Executive Budget, Governor Hochul has proposed $100 million to fund an additional round of NY Forward.
“We are helping small towns and cities across our state build a better future for New Yorkers through our NY Forward program,” Governor Hochul said. “These awards will help the Village of Sleepy Hollow and the Town of Cornwall and the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson develop their downtowns, improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, and create new jobs and attract businesses to expand economic opportunity across the region.”
NY Forward is a component of the State’s economic development efforts, working together with DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York’s downtowns. The program serves smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature - focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development.
Like DRI, each NY Forward community will develop a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown through a slate of readily implementable projects. The Department of State will provide enhanced technical assistance to better support smaller communities that may have less capacity as part of the NY Forward program and fund projects appropriately scaled to the size of each community. Projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that elevate specific cultural, historical qualities that enhance the feeling of small-town charm.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 2:27pm
Complements the New York Housing Compact - Governor's Proposal to Address New York's Housing Crisis and Build 800,000 Units in the Next Decade
Learn More and Receive Program Updates Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced details of the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund, a $150 million funding initiative specifically for mixed-use housing and infrastructure projects throughout the Mid-Hudson Region, to help communities meet growing infrastructure needs in light of the recent, region-wide population increase brought on by the pandemic. Together, the Governor's budget proposals and the new Fund, to be implemented by Empire State Development, represent major commitments to the Mid-Hudson region that will increase the housing supply to meet growing demand and invest in key infrastructure projects in the region.
"As one of the most picturesque and historic areas in New York, the Mid-Hudson region has been a crown jewel for our state that has driven our economy and welcomed new residents and visitors for years," Governor Hochul said. "The new Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund will help to ensure that the region can continue to serve as a destination for families, workers, businesses, and tourists by helping to address the housing shortage, creating an equitable housing supply, and growing local infrastructure where communities need it most."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "With the implementation of Governor Hochul's Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund, residents, employees and tourists will have more choices for where they choose to live, work and visit. The Fund will incentivize the development of much needed, mixed-use and infrastructure projects, improving the overall quality of life in the region."
Read the full press release here.
Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 2:00pm
Postponed – To Be Rescheduled
With videoconferencing to: Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue – 36th Floor Conference Room, New York, New York 10017
This meeting is open to the public.
Please Note:
Those attending at either location must RSVP by 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
RSVP press line (800) 260-7313; RSVP Buffalo press line (716) 846-8239;
RSVP public line (212) 803-3772
The public may listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below.
Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda item in writing to [email protected] by 9:00 am on Tuesday, February 21, 2022.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.
Board Meeting
Thursday, February 16, 2023 - 9:30am
The meeting is open to the public.
The public may also view and listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below.
Please Note:
Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772.
Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by Noon on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.