SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $977 THOUSAND IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO INVEST IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGHOUT UPSTATE NEW YORK

 

USDA Funding Will Be Used To Invest In Regional Economic Development And Infrastructure In 20 Rural Counties Across Upstate; Create 323 Jobs

Lewis, Rensselaer, Putnam, Columbia, Schoharie, Sullivan, Orange, Delaware, Ulster, Suffolk, Dutchess, Essex, St. Lawrence, Washington, Warren, Oneida, Fulton, Montgomery, Herkimer, Hamilton Counties Will Each Receive Thousands Of Dollars To Improve Their Communities 

Senators: USDA Funding Will Deliver Critical Economic Revitalization For Upstate NY

  U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $977,097 in federal rural development funding allocated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development as part of the Community Facilities Grants, Economic Impact Initiative Grants, and Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants programs. The federal funding will be used to invest in regional economic development and infrastructure in order to improve community support in Upstate New York and is estimated to create 323 jobs.

“Regional economic development and infrastructure is critical in supporting rural communities, and this federal funding will allow counties across Upstate New York to improve their ability to deliver state-of-the-art community services,” said Senator Schumer. “We must ensure that our communities have the tools they need to rebuild from the COVID crisis, especially in rural areas that depend on community resources. I am proud to announce this federal investment and will continue fighting to ensure rural communities across Upstate New York have the resources they need to improve their regional services.”

“Our rural economies depend on thriving businesses to drive growth and create meaningful jobs in our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As New York communities rebound from this crisis, we must invest in local businesses to ensure they have the resources needed to recover. I will keep fighting in the Senate for the resources needed to stimulate New York’s economy and ensure rural communities are stronger than ever before.”

The funding will go towards supporting small businesses, conducting sustainability research, helping SUNY Cobleskill outfit its farm product development center, funding vocational training, and providing pro bono legal services to rural farms. Specifically, Lewis County, Rensselaer County, Putnam County, Columbia County, Schoharie County, Sullivan County, Orange County, Delaware County, Ulster County, Suffolk County, Dutchess County, Essex County, St. Lawrence County, Washington County, Warren County, Oneida County, Fulton County, Montgomery County, Herkimer County, and Hamilton County will be receiving funding.

A breakdown of the $977K and its intended uses appears below:

LOCALITY	RECIPIENT	AMOUNT	JOBS CREATED	INTENDED USE
Sullivan County	Visitors Association In Sullivan County	$99,800.00	90	Will be used to purchase various office equipment for a small business incubator.
Sullivan County	Visitors Association In Sullivan County	$99,995.00	48	To conduct up to twelve workshops for small businesses in Sullivan County, NY.
Sullivan County	Visitors Association In Sullivan County	$99,038.00	12	This Rural Development investment will be used to conduct a feasibility study to rebuild the county for a sustainable future.
Oneida, Fulton, Montgomery, Herkimer, Schoharie, Hamilton Counties	Research Foundation For SUNY/Cobleskill	$92,520.00	20	Completing the outfitting of its farm product development center.
Essex, Washington, Warren Counties.	Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance, Inc	$99,528.00	24	Fund vocational training for TiAlliance's Trade Education Access Program.
St. Lawrence County	St. Lawrence County IDA	$57,000.00	12	Fund tractor trailer training at the State University of New York (SUNY) Canton.
Essex County	Essex Co. IDA	$300,000.00	53	Facilitate the startup, expansion, and retention of business activity within Essex County NY.
Rensselaer, Putnam, Columbia, Schoharie, Sullivan, Orange, Delaware, Ulster, Suffolk, Dutchess Counties	Pace University	$29,266.00	57	Funds will be used to provide pro bono legal services and legal training programs for small and emerging private rural farm, food, and beverage businesses.
Lewis County	Lewis County Development Corporation	$99,950.00	7	Funds will be used in expanding their creamery operation.