Economic development and the creation of local jobs remain my key priorities and I want to be sure Hudson Valley and Capital Region businesses are aware of the timetable for 
the next round of state grants through the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC). Consolidated Funding Applications (CFA) for this third round of funding are now being accepted and these funds are available to businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and individuals. The goal here is to streamline the application process for state resources by having a single point of entry. The CFAs will be sent to and evaluated by the appropriate regional council and state agency.
I encourage anyone who could benefit from this funding to apply for the $760 million that’s available before the deadline on Monday, August 12. So far, the REDC award program has invested $1.5 billion in more than 1,400 projects statewide, with nearly $173 million being awarded to 317 projects in the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. As an ex-officio member of both of these REDCs, I can attest to the effectiveness of this new regional approach.
Acting on my commitment to help grow our local economy, earlier this year I launched a “Where the Jobs Are” tour which has given me the opportunity to meet with Mid-Hudson Valley and Capital Region business owners, managers and employees to hear first hand their issues and concern. These visits have allowed me to learn more about our region’s diverse for-profit and not-for-profit business communities and to discuss ways New York State and our office can help them succeed. We’re fortunate to have a strong local workforce, and it’s time we match them with positions that need their skills.
This region is home to some of the most innovative businesses in the world and the range of places I’ve so far had the pleasure of visiting is truly staggering: From IBM and Central Hudson Gas & Electric to Ginsberg’s Foods and Hillrock Distillery; from Etsy and Alicia Adams Alpaca to Columbia Memorial, St. Francis and Vassar Brother Hospitals; from Hawthorne Valley Farm to the Culinary Institute of America; from Marist College, Vassar College, Dutchess and Columbia-Greene Community Colleges to CoARC, Pine Haven and Whittier Adult Care Nursing Home; from Taconic Farms and Phoenix-Hudson to Ancram Paper Mill which is located on an historic industrial site in continuous operation for more than 250 years.
In addition, I supported this year’s state budget which helps Hudson Valley and Capital Region families and businesses get back on their feet by phasing out a burdensome utility surcharge, cutting taxes, assisting minority- and women-owned businesses, providing a tax credit for businesses that hire veterans and creating the Market NY Program, to promote NY-based products and foods.
Those interested in applying for REDC funding should visit regionalcouncils.ny.gov/faq for more information, or apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa to fill out an application. If you have any questions about this or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me in Poughkeepsie at 845-454-1703, in Hudson at 518-828-1961 or via email at BarrettD@assembly.state.ny.us.
