Assemblyman Ed Ra (21st Assembly District) yesterday joined Governor Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos to announce the Long Island Regional Development Council (REDC) secured a “Best Plan Awardee” recognition along with $101.6 million in economic development funds. Long Island’s council, consisting of business leaders, entrepreneurs and community activists, was tasked with creating a five-year strategic plan to compete for economic development funding. Ra is encouraged by the development initiatives to help Long Island businesses retain their competitive edge and continue on a path of local job growth.

“Business and community leaders put together a plan for Long Island economic growth that focuses both on renewing opportunities and growing future prosperity,” said Ra. “To be recognized as a Best Plan Awardee is a tremendous honor and our community owes its thanks to those who worked diligently on the council toward a common goal: jobs. Many of our communities have suffered from a lack of investment in recent years, and this pro-growth plan reverses that.

“The council has laid out initiatives which reflect my legislative priorities as well: shoring up our infrastructure, retaining young workers, and reducing economic disparities in our communities. I would like to thank the co-chairs of the council, Long Island Association President Kevin Law and Stuart Rabonowitz, President of Hofstra University, and I look forward to working with the council as we move to implement this plan that will bring economic prosperity back to Long Island.”

The awards are the result of months of planning, input, and consideration by the council. The process included dozens of public meetings, forums, and community workshops across Long Island. Thousands of New Yorkers contributed to the development of the plans through these events.