Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced that Consolidated Funding Applications (CFA) for the third round of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) funding can now be submitted. The CFA helps to streamline the application process for state resources available to businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and the public.

“The first two rounds of REDC funding have brought the resources we need here in Monroe County to help jumpstart our local economy,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “With the third round of competitive grants, we will continue to make smart, long-term investments that create good-paying jobs.”

New York State’s REDC has been instrumental in helping to spur economic development in New York State. In the first two rounds of the competitive awards, the Finger Lakes region has received $165 million in REDC awards. For the third round of the REDC, $760 million in economic development resources will be available statewide, an increase of $22 million over the funding provided for last year.

Last year, several projects in the Greater Rochester Area received funding through the REDC’s competitive award process. Among the projects that received support last year were the University of Rochester’s Health Sciences Center for Computational Innovation, which was awarded $5 million and the College Town Development Project, which received $4 million in funding.

Applications are available at apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/ and will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2013. Applications will be sent to and evaluated by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and the appropriate state agency. For more information, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov or call Assemblymember Bronson’s office 244-5255.

“I know of the challenges small businesses have been confronted with while trying to secure funding,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “The CFA application speeds up the application process, making it easier and much more productive for businesses or organizations who are looking to secure funding from the state’s various agencies. I encourage all to apply as soon as possible.”