December 10, 2015 (ONEONTA, NY) – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today the award of $100.3 million in Regional Economic Development Council grant funding for the Mohawk Valley Region, including more than $3.6 million awarded to Otsego County-based projects. Projects affiliated with or proposed by Otsego Now alone netted just over $2 million. The Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council was chosen as this year’s Top Performer Awardee in the overall REDC competition.
“We are thrilled with the success for Otsego County in today’s grant announcements,” says Robert Hanft, County of Otsego IDA Board Chair. “The State is providing needed support to continue vital priority projects such as the Oneonta Rail Yards redevelopment and the Susquehanna Regional Ag Center initiative, as well as seed funding for new exciting business endeavors.”
Senator James L. Seward said, “Otsego County’s economic leaders, local elected officials and entrepreneurs worked together and advanced sound and innovative economic development initiatives. Their reward – the county’s largest REDC haul to date. Otsego Now was instrumental in helping secure the state funds and will play a key role in moving these job-creation projects forward.”
“Even as we are disappointed that the Mohawk Valley wasn’t rewarded for a strong effort in the Upstate Revitalization Initiative process, the Governor Cuomo-envisioned collaborative process was a great success,” said Alexander “Sandy” Mathes, Jr., CEO of Otsego Now. “We are now poised as a united region to push forward an exciting vision for the future.”
The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s transformative approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. Over the past five years of the Regional Economic Development Council program, the Mohawk Valley Region has received $362.2 million in support of 356 projects.
Otsego Now Projects
Oneonta Rail Yards Redevelopment
The Oneonta Rail Yards will be completely rebuilt, and development of all related infrastructure including a connector bridge will make the rail yard location the hub of regional economic activity.
Upper Susquehanna Regional Ag Center
An existing structure in downtown Oneonta will be demolished and a new multi-purpose facility, to be known as the Upper Susquehanna Agriculture Center, will be built.
Oneonta Route 205 Corridor Study
A planning study of the Oneonta Route 205 corridor will be done to identify critical traffic and safety issues which are limiting economic development and job creation.
Oneonta Airport Logistics Development Project
The Otsego County IDA is planning to work to improve the Otsego County airport located outside the City of Oneonta in the Town of Laurens.
Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad Feasibility Study
The villages of Cooperstown and Milford will identify the feasibility of a rail service connection for both workforce and tourism traffic.
Affiliated Projects
BB Ranch Manufacturing Expansion
The BB Ranch, Spa and Equestrian facility is a boutique resort and specialty food manufacturer. The project includes building a small batch manufacturing operation with a retail storefront.
Malt and Barley Manufacturing
Generations Malting Company will set up a Malt House processing New York State grown barley.
ARC Otsego Community Residential Facilities Improvements
Funds will be used to make essential safety/accessibility improvements to 10 group homes occupied by persons with developmental disabilities.