Economic development grants helps growth

$86.4million in grants has been committed for 112projects across Madison County.

Madison County, as a member of the five-county Central New York (CNY) Regional Economic Development Council (REDC), has been awarded for several economic development projects.

The region was selected as a top performer in December of 2017, garnering the largest investment by NYS in the annual competition. In total, the region received commitments of $86.4 million for 112 projects.

Projects specific to Madison County include funding for municipal projects associated with wastewater treatment plants, downtown revitalization, recreational trails and art initiatives.

“I’ve advocated that New York state needs to focus on business growth, community development, and job creation,” said John Salka, Madison County Planning and Economic Development chair. “These investments will make a positive impact in our communities and throughout the state.”

Marquardt Switches in Cazenovia received a $600,000 grant to advance their high-tech manufacturing and testing equipment production. This will solidify their facility as their North American Headquarters, allowing them to complete phase II of its Global Technology Center. “Marquardt operates in a specialty market that is ever-changing at an exceptional pace,” said president Kirk Wardell. “We are able to remain competitive largely due to our ability to evolve. Funding for these types of projects is absolutely essential to not only retain business and jobs in New York state, but foster future growth and job creation.”

Additionally, Clear Path for Veterans, a Chittenango-based not-for-profit, will use $483,000 in state as- sistance to construct and equip treatment facilities for returning veterans and their families. This grant will help veterans build life and workforce skills to apply their experiences to the CNY community.

Morrisville State College was also a recipient of $1.2 million to build, expand, and renovate on-campus resources for its Four Seasons College Farm Initiative. Specifically, the college will focus on controlled environmental agriculture initiatives, which is a target industry and a focus for future growth in Madison County and the CNY economic development strategic plans.

“This facility will support the academic and applied learning experiences for our students, provide workforce training opportunities, and provide the region with skilled workers to support the many global commercial growing companies are that seeking opportunities in our Central NewYork region,” said MSC president Dr. David E. Rogers.

Through the seven rounds of the REDC competitions, the CNY region has secured commitments of approximately $1 billion, which includes Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s commitment of $500 million to support transformational initiatives in CNY through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Of the $500million, the region expects to leverage capital investments of more than $2.5 billion, retain more than 15,000 jobs, and create more than 2,500 new jobs.

“The Central New York Regional Council’s strategic plan creates the blueprint for economic growth moving forward in the five county region,” said Executive Director of the New York State Economic Development Council Ryan Silva. “The projects awarded in Round VII of the REDC process will advance the goals of that plan, create jobs, and improve the economic climate and quality life in Madison County.”