Inside the Capital Region
The Capital Region is located in the eastern part of
mid-New York State, covering 5,199 square miles and includes
the Albany, Troy, Schenectady and Saratoga areas. The region
is comprised of eight counties and is known for its large
and vibrant economy with a particular focus in biotech life
sciences and nanotechnology.
The Capital Region possesses characteristics and a strategic
location that positions it well for economic growth in high
tech and knowledge-based industries. The confluence of the
Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, the transportation hub formed by
the intersection of two major interstate highways, excellent
proximity to the markets of the northeast and an engaging quality of life all combine to
endow the region with unparalleled economic development
potential. The region’s human capital – a population of 1.1
million and a workforce of 568,600 is arguably its most
significant asset.
General Overview
Area – 5,332.97 square miles
Population (2009) – 1,065,402
By county:
Albany – 298,284
Columbia – 61,618
Greene – 48,947
Rensselaer – 155,541
Saratoga – 220,069
Schenectady – 152,169
Warren – 66,021
Washington – 62,753
2009 Average Annual Labor Force: 568,600
2009
Per capita income: $28,644
In 2010, the Capital Region earned several accolades,
including:
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Market Access
Highways
The New York State Thruway connects the region with New York
City, the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and western New York
State. The Northway (I-87) links the area with major
destinations to the north and to the Canadian highway system
at Montreal. Interstate-88 provides the region access to the
southern tier of the state and to the Pennsylvania markets.
Air Service
As the major air center for the Capital Region, Northeastern
New York and Western New England, the Albany International
Airport offers a wide-range of facilities and services. A
multi-million dollar capital redevelopment project completed
in 2000 included a new 230,000 square foot terminal, parking
garage, Air Traffic Control Tower and cargo facility.
Passenger service is provided by Air Canada, American Eagle,
Continental Connection, Continental Express, Delta Airlines,
Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US
Airways and US Airways Express.
Rail Service
The Albany Port Railroad Corp. provides service under the
supervision of CSX and CP Rail systems. Amtrak, CSX and CP
rail systems provide the region with both passenger and
intermodal freight facilities, servicing the Northeast,
Mid-Atlantic states and Canada with connections nationwide.
Port Services
Ocean-going vessels dock at the deep-water port of
Albany Rensselaer, located 124 nautical miles north of New
York City on the Hudson River. A 32-foot channel makes the
port accessible from the sea year-round. Ships up to 750
feet long and 50,000 deadweight tons are serviced by the
port. The New York State Canal System connects the area with
the Great Lakes ports of Buffalo and Oswego.
Hospitals
Notable hospitals in the Capital region:
Albany Medical Center
Albany Memorial Hospital
St. Peter’s
Hospital
VA Medical Center
Principal Industries
Biotech Life Sciences
Nanotechnology
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing Semiconductor
Forest Products
Travel and Tourism
Chemical Manufacturing
Clean Tech
Colleges and Universities
The Capital Region is home to 25 colleges and universities
offering over 740 degree programs from the associate to the
doctoral level.
Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute (RPI)
University at Albany, SUNY
Union College
The Sage Colleges
Siena College
Skidmore College
The College of Saint Rose
Albany
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The region also has an outstanding selection of community
colleges.
Hudson Valley CC
Schenectady CC
Fulton-Montgomery CC
Columbia-Greene CC
Local Utilities
National Grid
Offers negotiated flexible electric rates for many types of
new businesses, negotiable gas transportation rates and
fixed rate gas discounts.
Central Hudson Gas &
Electric Corp.
Offers fixed rate electric discounts for many types of new
businesses and market based gas pricing.
New York State Electric &
Gas Corp.
Offers negotiated flexible electric and fixed rate electric
discounts for many types of new businesses and negotiable
firm gas transportation service.