MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008

KONST Seeks Update on Upstate Revitalization Fund

Erie County Legislator Kathy Konst (Lancaster, Elma) announced that the Erie County Legislature unanimously approved her resolution requesting a report from Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) on the status of the fund to strengthen the upstate economy, given recently enacted state budget cuts and the fiscal malaise on Wall Street.

"On April 28, 2008, the Director of the Western Region Office of ESDC made a presentation to the Erie County Legislature regarding the $700 million Upstate Revitalization Fund that had been approved in the 2008-09 New York State Budget," Legislator Konst said.

During the presentation, legislators were informed that the Upstate Revitalization Fund included a number of components, and much of the money was already earmarked for specific purposes, including a project in New York City:

• Regional Blueprint Fund ($120 million)
• City-by-City Investments ($180 million, of which only $30 million had not at the time been earmarked for specific projects)
• Upstate Housing Investments ($100 million)
• Rebuilding State Parks ($70 million)
• Agricultural Development Fund ($40 million, of which $20 million was directed to the Bronx, leaving $20 million for all of Upstate)
• Upstate Infrastructure Improvements ($30 million)
• Other initiatives ($160 million).

"At the time of this presentation just after the state budget was approved, the rules and regulations regarding the application process for these various economic development initiatives were expected in August, 2008," Legislator Konst said.  "At present, it is imperative for county legislators to learn the policies and procedures governing any and all Upstate Revitalization programs that may be available to assist their businesses grow and prosper in a challenging global environment."

In urging immediate action, Legislator Konst recalled a comment made by Governor Paterson: "Especially in these difficult economic times, when families are feeling the effects of a likely recession, we must make the critical investments that will create jobs and expand opportunity for all New Yorkers."

"Given the Governor's recognition of the need for investment to address the economic challenges of our state, especially Upstate, ESDC must expedite the implementation of the Upstate Revitalization Plan," Legislator Konst said. "The New York State Budget was approved in April.  Six months later, we are still awaiting definitive word on the economic development programs cited above that might assist the businesses in our community and reenergize our economy.  We cannot wait any longer."

At an upcoming meeting of the Economic Development Committee of the Erie County Legislature, representatives of Empire State Development Corporation will be invited to present a status report on the Upstate Revitalization Fund, so that legislators may inform the businesses within their respective districts of the economic development assistance that is available.

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