19 NY Regional Projects Receive $15 Million for Economic Development

A shot of farmland off the 90 in Dunkirk, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the awarding of roughly $15 million for the support of 19 different regional projects across New York state, made available via the Regional Economic Development Council initiative and aligned with each area’s strategic development goals. 

“With these investments in fast-growing sectors like broadband manufacturing and heat pump technology, the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative is continuing to unlock the economic potential of our state,” Hochul stated of the awards. “These businesses are driving innovation and creating good, stable jobs for New Yorkers, and thanks to our REDCs and significant state support, we are writing them into New York’s economic success story.”

In Western New York, Buffalo Business Park, Inc. was awarded a $150,000 ESD Grant for the renovation of a former bank building in downtown Dunkirk for new development of mixed-use residential and commercial space. 

“Our regions are home to abundant talent and assets that are reflected in the projects being supported by this latest round of the REDC Initiative,” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight remarked of the awards. “Whether caring for children or seniors, or helping train a new generation of culinary professionals, the REDC continues to strategically grow the New York State economy, one community at a time.”

Applications for ESD Grant funds will remain open until funds are officially exhausted, so any applicants with shovel-ready, economic-development-focused projects should apply through the Consolidated Funding Application.

“We are breaking down barriers to economic opportunities that have for too long held communities back,” commented Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils of the awards. “With this new round of funding we can invest in workforce development efforts, boost broadband accessibility, and support shovel-ready projects statewide. This is how we uplift our communities and the New Yorkers who call our state home.”