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Press Release
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 - 10:33am
Center Will Enhance Visitor Experience and Showcase Buffalo’s Proud African American History
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the opening of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor’s (MSAAHC’s) new headquarters and visitor center. The MSAAHC is a nationally and internationally recognized Buffalo neighborhood that serves as the focal point for residents and visitors to learn about Buffalo’s rich African American history and its significant impact on local, national, and international history. Establishing a home for the not-for-profit MSAAHC Commission in the Corridor at 136 Broadway—a key objective of the Corridor’s Strategic Plan completed in 2022—will make it easy for people to navigate the various historic sites in the corridor and participate in a variety of events and activities.
“The new visitors center and headquarters provides a convenient, comprehensive gateway for guests and residents to experience the wide variety of sites and activities in the African American Heritage Corridor,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is a proud partner in the collaborative effort to elevate this treasured heritage destination in Buffalo, and we encourage visitors to reflect on, learn from, and honor the past as they tour and enjoy all the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor has to offer.”
New York State provided a $2.3 million grant for acquisition of the 20,433 square foot mixed-use building, which contains two commercial storefronts, three upper floor apartments and an adjoining parking lot. The building will include offices and workspace for Commission staff, a visitor center, public restrooms, and a small pop-up gift shop. The apartments and a commercial tenant will remain in the building to provide on-going revenue toward building upkeep and Commission operations. The parking lot will serve the headquarters and will also facilitate hosting events and activities of the corridor’s anchor institutions and Corridor-wide events, including a weekly farmers’ market, food truck events, small concerts, and fundraising activities. A mural highlighting Black history is also planned to be commissioned on the east side wall of the building, which faces Michigan Avenue.
Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission’s (MSAAHCC) Executive Director Terry Alford said, “Buffalo has fought hard to hold on to and preserve its Black historical sites. Walking in the steps of those who traveled the Underground Railroad, rallied for freedom in the African American churches, and played their hearts out at the Colored Musicians Club is an experience that is critical to telling the full story of Buffalo. I thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for supporting us in making sure everyone has the opportunity to experience our unique historic and cultural sites.”
The MSAAHC includes four historic anchor institutions—the Michigan Street Baptist Church, the J. Edward Nash House Museum, the Colored Musicians Club, and the WUFO Black History Collective—that tell the stories of a neighborhood that became the heart of the African American experience in Buffalo. It’s an American story of advocacy, freedom, and creativity. The time periods celebrated by assets in the Heritage Corridor include the Abolitionist movement, the Civil Rights movement, and several cultural and artistic renaissance periods. Its festivals, cultural events and artistic programming draw residents, national and international tourists, scholars and artists, writers, storytellers, poets, dancers, and actors to a thriving, community of historic urban scale.
Lillie Wiley-Upshaw, Chair of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission Board, said, “There’s more to come! We ask the community to watch the growth as we continue to develop a heritage experience for Buffalo residents and national visitors.”
Governor Hochul recently announced nearly $10 million in investments and grant awards as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address the needs of the East Buffalo community. The announcement, which follows the $50 million targeted investment announced in June 2022, includes expansion of the homeowner improvement program, additional mental health services, and development of a memorial for victims of the white supremacist terror attack at Tops Supermarket. In addition, also in June 2020, the Governor announced a “Regional Revitalization Partnership” with local philanthropic organizations and municipalities in East Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester. Under this partnership, a combined $30 million ($24 million New York State and $6 million philanthropic/municipal) will be invested over the next five years in the MSAAHC to support capital improvements to realize components of the Corridor Strategic Plan and to facilitate ongoing operations of the Commission to advance its mission.
Senator Tim Kennedy said, “Under Terry Alford's leadership, the MSAAHCC has played a key role in amplifying African American voices, milestones, and landmarks within our city's history, and this new headquarters and visitor center will deservedly elevate that mission in perpetuity. I’m thrilled to see this important space open its doors to our community, and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Commission on its meaningful work.”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Congratulations to the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission on its new home. This is the culmination of a vision that I had twenty years ago with establishing the Corridor as a state heritage area for African American cultural tourism. Our history is our nation’s shared history - from arts and culture to advocating for human rights. It’s taken awhile to get here, but you can begin to see the fruit of everyone’s labor with a number of construction projects underway at anchor institutions. The Corridor Commission’s new home will allow for better internal coordination, along with a well-deserved and proper home base for staff, tours and visitors. Thank you to all of our philanthropic partners, especially Governor Hochul and Empire State Development, for acknowledging its significance and making this all possible.”
Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “The Michigan Avenue corridor is home to several historic institutions – like the Michigan Street Baptist Church, Nash House, the Colored Musicians Club and WUFO. The new visitors center and headquarters for the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor will help bring information about these institutions together under one roof. This will be an important stop for tourists - local, national, and international - when visiting the city of Buffalo. The new visitor center is just one of the many positive developments taking place in East Buffalo and throughout our City. I want to thank the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission for all their hard work. I would also like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued support and investment in our community.”
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “Erie County is proud to support the historic institutions that make up Buffalo’s African American Heritage Corridor and I thank Governor Hochul and NYS for this investment, which will serve as a vibrant hub for the community and a starting point for anyone interested in learning more about our area’s rich African American history.”
Congressman Brian Higgins said, “The Michigan Street Corridor played an important role in Buffalo and American history. This new visitor center is the latest in the Buffalo-Niagara region’s continuing effort to grow tourism and the economy by sharing the stories that are uniquely ours.”
About the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission
The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission’s focus is to integrate the African American cultural significance and impact on Buffalo and American history through public engagement and community education that encourage cultural appreciation, preservation, and community development. Learn More: www.michiganstreetbuffalo.org
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:
Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309
Jennifer Parker | [email protected] | (716) 866-4916
Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 - 10:30am
With video conferencing to: Empire State Development – Rochester Office, 400 Andrews Street – Suite 300, Rochester, New York 14604
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 at either location should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 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 Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Committee Members prior to the meeting and will posted online.
Press Release
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - 3:00pm
Beginning on June 6, State Representatives Will Stop in Utica, Troy, Buffalo, and Rochester to Highlight State Programs and Services to Help Small Businesses Succeed
Part of Governor's Ongoing Commitment to Supporting New York's Small Business Community
Businesses Can Register to Attend Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new small business outreach effort, led by the New York State Department of Labor, to help connect entrepreneurs to no-cost supports and services. As part of the Governor's continued commitment to these vital economic contributors, representatives from the New York State Department of Labor, Departments of State and Tax and Finance, the Workers' Compensation Board, and Empire State Development will traverse the state to provide important information to small business owners on licensing, regulations, taxes, grants, training, and more.
"Small businesses are the core of New York's economy - creating local jobs, reenergizing neighborhoods, and bringing communities together," Governor Hochul said. "We are excited to bring no-cost resources directly to small businesses across the state to ensure they get the support they deserve."
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Our small businesses are the heartbeat of communities and play a vital role in our economy. The New York State Department of Labor offers a variety of no-cost resources that can help small businesses remain competitive in the global market. I encourage entrepreneurs to attend one of these sessions to learn more about how New York State can help you be successful."
The tour features stops in Utica, Troy, Rochester, and Buffalo, and is part of New York State's effort to advance, support, and strengthen smaller operations that continue to have a significant economic impact in their local communities.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Friday, May 26, 2023 - 4:40pm
Boat will take passengers on scenic tours of Buffalo’s waterfront
See photo here
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) announced the christening today of the Big Kahuna, a new tiki tour boat docked at Canalside. The newly built, multi-hulled boat is the latest to be added to the fleet of Buffalo Boat Tours and will carry passengers on daily scenic Buffalo waterfront trips.
“There is no better way to enjoy Buffalo’s waterfront than aboard a beautiful boat with an ice-cold beverage while listening to island music,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. “Governor Hochul has provided the leadership needed to capitalize on Buffalo’s extraordinary waterfront and the new boat gives Western New Yorkers yet another way to experience our greatest natural asset.”
The Big Kahuna, which was built in Florida this past winter, is a custom design vessel that is 50 feet long and 14 feet wide with two outboard engines. The top speed of the vessel is around 8 knots, and it can carry up to 45 passengers. The tiki boat will serve beverages and snacks. There are also snacks available for purchase. It runs seven days a week for both public cruises and charters, with a family excursion and three adult tiki trips running daily.
Passengers will board the Big Kahuna from the dock on the Central Wharf at Canalside. They will then enjoy a 90-minute trip past historic landmarks, including the impressive series of grain elevators. The cruise also provides excellent views of Buffalo’s skyline.
The Big Kahuna is operated by the Hilliman family. It joins the Hilliman’s fleet of boats that include the Spirit of Buffalo sailing ship, the Harbor Queen, and the Queen City Bike Ferry.
“People can’t get enough of our exciting tiki boat experience,” said Captain Rich Hilliman of Buffalo Boat Tours. “Customers are thrilled to be out on the water, socializing with friends, and seeing our beautiful Buffalo from a whole new point of view. We look forward to welcoming new visitors and return customers on board for an excursion that will be the highlight of their summer.”
Tickets can be purchased online at buffaloboattours.com or from the kiosk on the Central Wharf at Canalside.
For more information on the Big Kahuna and other exciting activities at Canalside, please visit www.buffalowaterfront.com.
The Big Kahuna joins the other entertainment options at Canalside, including Explore & More Children’s Museum, the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, water bikes, kayaks, bike tours, festivals, and more- to build upon New York State’s $100 million investment in Buffalo’s waterfront.
City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, “Bringing The Big Kahuna to Buffalo is another great attraction to add to our waterfront that will draw more people to Canalside, while giving City residents more outdoor fun this summer. Buffalo’s network of waterways is among our City’s greatest natural assets, and I thank Governor Kathy Hochul and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation for their continued investment in Buffalo’s revitalized waterfront. What a great way to kick off the summer season!”
Senator Tim Kennedy said, "With the summer season approaching, this new tiki tour boat brings yet another opportunity for people to enjoy Buffalo's waterfront, all while navigating through iconic reminders of our city's rich history. I applaud the Hillman family for bringing yet another interactive experience to our inner and outer harbors."
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Within the last decade, we’ve seen Buffalo’s waterfront transformed from a neglected brownfield site to one of the region’s most bustling and visited tourist sites. The Big Kahuna represents the latest addition of highly engaging offerings that will get Western New Yorkers to reconnect with our greatest natural asset. I thank ECHDC, Buffalo Boat Tours and the Hilliman family for launching this creative new endeavor that will show its passengers our waterfront in a brand-new way.”
Buffalo City Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said, “Canalside is truly on of the gems of the Fillmore district, Buffalo and all of Western New York. I am so grateful to New York State for all of their support, and I have worked closely with Rich Hilliman to prepare for this wonderful kickoff to summer. I am excited to see people out enjoying our gorgeous waterfront this year."
Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Canalside is continuing to evolve to meet public demand for new destinations and experiences. This builds on the growing ways to explore and enjoy Buffalo’s waterfront and waterways.”
About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two nonvoting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor. For more information on ECHDC, visit: www.eriecanalharbor.com.
Contact:
Pamm Lent (Governor’s Office) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313
Laura Magee (ESD/ECHDC) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Thursday, May 25, 2023 - 4:18pm
Funding Used to Expand Leases to Start-Up and Historically Disadvantaged Local Farmers
Highlights Broader Efforts to Utilize Provide Support to Diverse Small Businesses throughout New York State
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Chester Agricultural Center, located in the Town of Chester, Orange County, has received more than $1.3 million in support to expand operations at its 200-acre farm, which leases land in subsections to local farm operators. Many of the leases are awarded to people of color, women, LGBTQ+ and Latinx, which are historically underserved segments within the farming industry. Chester Agricultural Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, received a $1.08 million loan through the Capital Project Loan Fund as part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. ESD also awarded the center an additional $300,000 capital grant.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Chester Agricultural Center is a prime example of how Empire State Development is supporting diverse small businesses throughout New York State. Chester Agricultural Center is promoting greater fairness and equity for farmworkers by providing affordable long-term leases to beginning-level farmers and working to create an equitable and inclusive regional food system."
Chester Agricultural Center Executive Director Lucinda Poindexter said, "This funding from Empire State Development is transformational, allowing us to fulfill our mission to provide affordable farmland to underserved farmers, to build pathways for farmworkers to farm ownership and to build a new model of agribusiness in the region."
Chester Agricultural Center will build a new $2.7 million wash-and-pack and cold storage facility to serve its two largest farm operators, allowing the existing wash-and-pack facility to be used more efficiently and equitably by leaseholders. Most importantly, it will allow the Center to meet rising demand for leases and put additional acreage into production. Currently only about 60% of the 200 acres has been leased, given the restrictions caused by the existing wash-and-pack facility, which is aging and overcrowded. This new structure will allow the Center to lease the remaining 40% of the land to mostly first-time or historically disadvantaged farmers.
The Center's new 17,000 square foot facility will comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act, and allow the group to achieve Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification. This state-of-the-art facility will also allow the Center to improve energy efficiency, product quality controls, and operational productivity amongst the individual farm operators.
Senator James G. Skoufis said, "Chester Agricultural Center is a key link in Orange County's and the Hudson Valley's farm workforce. The work they do not only to support new farms and farmers entering the industry, but to return sustainable agricultural practices to our black dirt region and stand strong against the pressures of overdevelopment, is an inspiring model for the future of farming in New York. I applaud this critical funding by Empire State Development to help ensure Chester Ag's long-term position as a springboard for up-and-coming agricultural professionals and practices."
Assemblymember Brian M. Maher said, "I am excited to see the Chester Agricultural Center will receive a $1.3 million investment. This will open up more opportunities to start agribusinesses for a variety of new farmers. Agriculture is a heritage industry always on the cutting edge of innovation, and I am glad it is thriving in Orange County. I look forward to the positive impact the project will have on our region."
Orange County Executive Stephen M. Neuhaus said, "Agriculture remains one of Orange County’s largest industries and this funding will greatly assist the Chester Agricultural Center. It preserves key open space and produces food locally which is important for our health and economy. We need to take continued steps in New York to making farming more affordable and sustainable for future generations."
Chester Town Supervisor Robert Valentine said, "Investment in our farms is a part of preservation that is sometimes overlooked, and investment in our farms is an investment in our community. In Chester, we support and encourage the heritage of farming, and applaud the efforts of the Chester Agricultural Center, ESD and New York State."
Empire State Development created nine programs to manage more than $500 million in federal funding to support the resurgence of small businesses across New York State through SSBCI. SSBCI provides funds to support programs for small businesses, including socially and economically disadvantaged individual (SEDI) owned businesses and very small businesses (VSB), to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 and allow them opportunity to succeed in the post-pandemic economy. With this funding, ESD developed a suite of capital access and equity programs to help New York State small businesses recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 and allow them the opportunity to succeed.
To learn more about the available SSBCI programs visit esd.ny.gov/ssbci.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency. 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 NY," 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:
Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | (518) 414-1087
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Thursday, May 25, 2023 - 11:57am
Global NY’s Foreign Offices Representing Four Continents to Host Information Sessions
Across New York State in June Tour Supports ESD’s Mission to Promote New York’s Exports
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced representatives from Global NY’s foreign offices will conduct a trade promotion tour across New York, visiting seven of the state’s regions throughout the month of June. The tour—featuring offices from countries representing four continents, including Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Israel, India, and China—will take place in select sites from June 12, 2023 to June 16, 2023. This is the first export promotion tour since the start of the worldwide pandemic in 2020, and with the federal government declaring an end to the COVID-19 national emergency last month, ESD is committed to ensuring New York’s diverse goods reach global markets.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s global marketplace is extraordinarily complex, and we want New York-based businesses to know that ESD can help them unlock the ‘world’ of economic opportunity that exists beyond our borders. With some of the finest and most diverse goods produced right here in New York, Global NY’s Export Promotion Tour will help companies understand how to export their products from the Empire State to the world.”
At each tour stop, the Global NY foreign office representatives will deliver presentations and share insights on international markets and provide firsthand global export guidance to New York State businesses. A Q&A session will follow each of the presentations and companies in attendance will also have the chance to schedule one-on-one consultations with the representatives. Interested attendees must pre-register and will receive an email confirmation with a time slot based on program criteria. All are welcome to join each event, but space is limited so please RSVP via Global NY’s webpage.
Global NY is ESD’s international division. With representatives around the world, Global NY sponsors programs and offers expert support related to export funding and other assistance that can help New York businesses enter or expand their presence in the global marketplace. The Export Promotion tour supports New York State's mission to promote the competitiveness, economic impact and activity that come from attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and introducing New York State businesses to exporting.
***People interested in attending one of the sessions can RSVP here.***
Long Island
Monday, June 12, 8:30 am-12:30pm
Farmingdale State College Campus Center Ballroom, Campus Center,
2350 NY-110,
Farmingdale, NY 11735
New York CityMonday, June 12, 2:30 pm-6:30pm
New York Genome Center, 101 6th Ave
New York, NY 10013
Mid-HudsonTuesday, June 13, 8:30am-12:30pm
SUNY New Paltz Multi-Purpose Room, 1 Hawk Drive,
New Paltz, NY 12561
Capital DistrictTuesday, June 13, 2:30pm-6:30pm
UAlbany ETEC Building, 1220 Washington Ave,
Albany, NY 12226
Central New YorkWednesday, June 14, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Onondaga Community College Storer Auditorium,
585 W Seneca Turnpike,
Syracuse, NY 13215
Finger LakesThursday, June 15, 9:00am-1:00pm
Rochester Institute of Technology, Louise Slaughter Hall,
78 Lomb Memorial Dr,
Rochester, NY 14623
Western NYFriday, June 16, 9:00am-1:00pm
Buffalo State University,
Burchfield Penney Art Center Auditorium,
1300 Elmwood Ave,
Buffalo, NY 14222
Contacts:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 2:44pm
Project Supported by $4.1 Million in State Grants
New Center Will Offer Visitors Information on Cemetery's History and Support Preservation Efforts
Renderings Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking of the Green-Wood Cemetery's $34 million Education and Welcome Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Founded in 1838, the Green-Wood Cemetery is one of the earliest rural cemeteries in the United States and is the final resting place for many notable figures and a popular destination for visitors from around the world. To promote the Cemetery's history to the broader public, the Green-Wood Historic Fund will construct a 22,000-square-foot Education and Welcome Center to enhance the visitor experience with information about the Cemetery's history, architecture, and natural environment. Construction of the new facility is supported by $4.1 million in funding from New York State, including $2 million from the New York State Council on the Arts, $1.5 million from Empire State Development, and $600,000 from the State legislature.
"The Green-Wood Cemetery is a unique urban oasis and a treasure trove of historical significance," Governor Hochul said. "The new Education and Welcome Center will help to unlock that treasure for visitors and further reinforce Green-Wood's role as an iconic New York cultural institution. The preservation of this landmark is crucial to our understanding of the past, our appreciation of the present, and our vision for the future."
The Green-Wood Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark that spans 478 acres and was designed as a park-like landscape, offering visitors a tranquil and picturesque environment to pay their respects. Visitors can enjoy the Cemetery's serene natural landscape and learn of its 570,000 permanent residents, including Leonard Bernstein, Boss Tweed, Charles Ebbets, Susan McKinney Steward, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lola Montez, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Horace Greeley, Civil War generals, baseball legends, politicians, artists, entertainers, and inventors.
The new Education and Welcome Center will serve as the first stop for visitors to discover and explore Green-Wood. The ADA-compliant, LEED, Gold-certified building will be designed as an L-shape, surrounding two sides of the historic Weir Greenhouse with expansive views towards the Cemetery and the Richard Upjohn Main Entrance Arch. The Center will house exhibition galleries for Green-Wood's extensive art and archival collections; classroom and programming space; Green-Wood's new Center for Research; staff offices; and meeting and event space for local community organizations.
The new Center will serve as a hub for education and community engagement, enabling visitors to learn about The Green-Wood Cemetery's significance in the region's cultural and natural history. Through interactive displays, exhibitions, and engaging programs, the Center will provide visitors with a dynamic and immersive experience that will inspire a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary site.
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Mara Manus said, "This new Education and Welcome center will uplift the incredible history of Green-Wood Cemetery and chart an exciting path for its future through the expansion of arts programming for visitors from across the country and around the world. NYSCA is proud to provide $2 million in support of this vital project, that will greatly enhance Green-Wood as a cultural treasure for us to gather, find inspiration, reflect, and learn."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Green-Wood Cemetery is core to the history and identity of Brooklyn, and we honor its legacy with the groundbreaking of the new Education and Welcome Center. With an immersive experience that will breathe life into the stories of the past, the Center will inspire visitors and attest to Green-Wood's enduring importance, both now and for generations to come."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - 2:42pm
Project Bolsters New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Agenda which is the Most Aggressive Climate and Clean Energy Initiative in the Nation
GE Vernova is Committed to Creating at Least 160 New Jobs in the Capitol Region
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that GE Vernova will invest $50 million to locate an onshore wind nacelle manufacturing operation to Schenectady, creating at least 160 new full-time, renewable energy jobs. This announcement complements New York State's efforts to be a national leader in growing the green economy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and combating climate change.
"General Electric has a long and illustrious history in New York State and has been a leader in cutting-edge innovation for well over a century," Governor Hochul said. "We are proud to partner with GE Vernova to realize New York's vision of become a leading manufacturing hub for wind technology and to bring us closer to achieving our nation-leading climate goals, securing a better and cleaner future for generations."
GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik said, "We applaud the administration for the recent domestic content guidance, which gives us the certainty to move forward on this exciting project and look forward to supporting additional guidance. We're proud to expand our American manufacturing footprint and workforce to continue building and innovating energy technology that is cleaner, by bringing wind turbine component assembly — and an estimated 200 new jobs — to New York. This state, and the Capital Region, are an important part of GE's history and this investment will strengthen Schenectady's role in driving the energy transition in the future."
GE will invest in facility renovations and new machinery and equipment to support the production of nacelles for the company's line of 6.1 megawatt onshore wind turbines. The nacelle is the part of the turbine that houses the components that transform the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy to turn a generator that produces electricity. The manufacturing assembly line will be installed in the building where GE Vernova continues to manufacture steam turbines and generators. Empire State Development (ESD) has agreed to provide up to $2.5 million in performance-based Green Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits to support the creation and retention of at least 160 jobs — with the potential for 200 positions.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership ESD is laser-focused on growing the green economy and bringing well-paying manufacturing jobs to New York State. GE is a global leader in developing renewable energy technology and providing clean, renewable power throughout the world, and we are thrilled that they will continue to grow their legacy in Schenectady."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, May 22, 2023 - 4:22pm
Cummins Today Marks Production Milestone of Its 2.5 Millionth Engine While Planning For A More Sustainable Future
View Photos of Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that global power and technology leader Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) is investing $452 million in the 998,000-square-foot Jamestown facility, where production will leverage a range of lower carbon fuel types, including natural gas, and align with Destination Zero, Cummins’ strategy to go further, faster to reduce greenhouse gas and air quality impacts of its products and reach zero emissions by 2050. In addition, Cummins announced that it has produced its 2.5 millionth engine at the company’s Jamestown Engine Plant, as Cummins continues to pave a path to a more sustainable future for its products and for the State of New York. The X15N, officially No. 2,500,001, is a 15-liter natural gas engine, part of the first fuel-agnostic internal combustion engine platform being produced at the Jamestown Engine Plant. The company also committed to creating 90 new jobs through this investment.
“Cummins’ Jamestown Engine Plant is not only the largest employer in Chautauqua County, but also a powerhouse investing in the forefront of technologies to help New York and the nation move forward to a more sustainable future,” Governor Hochul said. “I congratulate the innovative, manufacturing leader on its investment and commitment to its employees and New York State."
Srikanth Padmanabhan, Vice President and President, Cummins Engine Business said, “Our employees are innovating to find new ways of working that use fewer of the world’s resources, and the Engine Business is at the center of this exciting innovation. Our fuel agnostic platform builds on decades of experience in designing and manufacturing industry-leading products here in Jamestown. It is essential to our commitment to help customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
More than half of all medium and heavy-duty trucks on the road in the U.S. today use Cummins engines and industry leaders are showing interest in the latest engines from the Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP); Knight-Swift Transportation, Ryder and United Parcel Service (UPS), among others will be the first fleets to begin testing the first X15N engines. This next-generation engine is the first natural gas engine to be specifically designed for heavy-duty truck applications, with up to 500 horsepower output, and is a key step for the future of heavy-duty transportation fleets and the trucking industry’s road to zero emissions.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, May 22, 2023 - 4:19pm
70 Projects Awarded $112.9 Million to Reinvigorate Downtowns and Generate Economic Opportunity
Four Municipalities Awarded $33.6 Million for Special Projects That Will Transform Highly-Visible Blighted Property to Stimulate Community and Economic Growth
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $112.9 million has been awarded to 70 projects through the Restore New York Communities Initiative. Restore New York supports municipal revitalization efforts across the state, helping to remove blight, reinvigorate downtowns and generate economic opportunity in communities statewide. The program, administered by Empire State Development, is designed to help local governments revitalize their communities and encourage commercial investment, improve the local housing stock, put properties back on the tax rolls and increase the local tax base.
"These Restore New York grants will help to reimagine downtowns across our state and transform vacant, blighted and underutilized buildings into vibrant community anchors," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to a more than $146 million state investment, we are breathing new life into communities from Hudson to North Hempstead, jumpstarting new economic activity and helping ensure that New York State continues to be a place where people come to live, work and raise their families.
The Governor also announced more than $33 million has been awarded to four municipalities in this round for special projects. Special projects are awarded to municipalities where a highly visible and blighted property causes severe economic injury and has a depressing effect on the overall economic development potential of the community. This round's special projects include:
The Town of Lyons in Wayne County will receive nearly $6.6 million for its Canal District project,
The City of Auburn in Cayuga County will receive $8.5 million to renovate the former Bombardier facility,
Ulster County will receive $10 million for renovations at iPark87, the former IBM campus, and
Jefferson County will receive over $8.5 million for demolition of the former St. Regis paper mill in the Village of Deferiet.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Restore New York Communities Initiative provides vital funding to help our municipal partners find creative ways to redevelop and transform neighborhoods into areas that uplift their communities after years of decay. Restore New York tackles urban blight head-on, allowing for new possibilities that spurs local economic development efforts for years to come."
Read the full press release here.