Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month announced $715.9 million in economic development grants Wednesday, including numerous awards to entities and projects in Saratoga County.
“We are transforming New York state into a top destination for companies from around the world to locate, invest and grow with initiatives like START-UP NY to provide tax-free areas and support to businesses,” Cuomo said.
Cuomo said the Capital Region REDC, which encompasses Saratoga County, has helped advance the region as a global leader in nanotechnology research and development, while also improving the quality of life for residents through downtown and waterfront revitalization projects.
“The council’s focus in 2013 includes investing in and expanding the local supply chain to the semi-conductor industry, technology training to generate employment opportunities and a continued investment in important redevelopment projects,” he said.
Among the grants to the area is $200,000 to help Saratoga Springs advance an anticipated updated comprehensive plan by drafting revisions to related policy documents, including zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and building and construction standards. The city is updating its plan to further existing and still relevant sustainability concepts. The proposed plan will establish sustainable land use policies, guide infrastructure investment and promote sustainable growth.
The state earmarked $750,000 for planning, design and construction of an Infrastructure Technologies Inc. manufacturing facility. Design and construction of 70,000 SF manufacturing/warehouse/office building at STEP to consolidate four separate operations and add 75 to 100 jobs.
The company has offices in Clifton Park. It helps large enterprises design, build and operate mission-critical technology infrastructure.
Other grants for the county include:
• $30,000 — The city of Saratoga Springs will complete an engineering report to evaluate solutions for the upgrade of three sewer wastewater pumping stations.
• $89,237 — Quad/Graphics Inc. of Saratoga Springs to provide on-the-job training for 80 newly hired workers in computer information technology, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, industrial safety and printing and manufacturing technical skills.
• $128,500 — Stewarts Shops, for a project to help reduce water consumption at the company’s dairy processing and packaging operations facility. The project is in partnership with Saratoga Economic Development Corp.
• $200,000 — The town of Halfmoon will construct a multi-use trail along the historic Erie Canal Towpath on the north shore of the Mohawk River. The trail will encompass approximately 0.75 miles from Clamsteam Road, under the Northway’s Twin Bridges and west to the town line.
• $150,000 — The Riverside Trail Community Linkage Project focuses on implementing critical portions of the trail system that will connect southern Stillwater neighborhoods of Riverside, Stillwater Junction and East Saratoga Junction to the area’s resources, destinations and the greater regional trail network. This includes the Stillwater town and village halls, Island Park, the future site of Mullah Hill Park, Zim Smith Trail and Mechanicville’s business district.
• $200,000 — The town of Stillwater to aid its comprehensive effort to expand trail linkage throughout the community, from the historic Saratoga Battlefield site to the waterfront and city of Mechanicville. The 2013 Riverside Trail Community Linkage project focuses on implementing critical portions of the trail system that will connect southern Stillwater neighborhoods to the area’s resources, destinations and the greater regional trail network.
• $100,000 — The Lakes to Locks Passage Geotourism Marketing Initiative will market the areas along the interconnected waterway from Albany to Rouses Point to national and international audiences, promoting authentic experiences and sustainable tourism.
• $42,000 — Saratoga Rowing Association for renovating a building in the town of Saratoga to train athletes and attract more regattas.
• $23,000 — To provide digital projection capacity for the Saratoga Film Forum. in Saratoga Springs.
Other Capital Region projects that impact Saratoga include:
• $125,000 — SUNY CNSE Nanoscience College to help fund an incubator that will link numerous regional assets and business development programs into one unified program. This consortium will assist start-up businesses in the Capital District by deploying best practices and provide mentorship.
• $65,000 — Center for Economic Growth (CEG) to assess the Capital Region’s creative economy and develop a strategic plan for expanding this sector’s contribution to economic growth.
• $150,000 — Upstate Marketing Strategy that is working on a New York Golf Trail as an extended marketing plan, encompassing six regions of the state and 12 counties, including Saratoga, that focuses on drawing golfers to the golf and lodging partners in New York state, thereby looking to increasing tourism in these areas.
• $100,000 — Lakes to Locks Passage Inc. to market the areas along the interconnected waterway from Albany to Rouses Point to national and international audiences, promoting authentic experiences and sustainable tourism.