“At this year’s Regional Economic Development Council Awards, Central New York received $86.4 million to fund projects across our region. These critical investments will help strengthen our local infrastructure and expand workforce training initiatives to connect people to better paying jobs.

“The town of Dewitt was awarded $86,250 for a comprehensive storm sewer mapping project, allowing the town to improve and expand the regional system map.

“The village of East Syracuse received $139,500 to design and construct a new park in the North Center Street neighborhood.

“Onondaga County was awarded $330,000 to prepare a feasibility study for beach access along the eastern shore of Onondaga Lake, report on the gap in the Loop-the-Lake Trail and evaluate redevelopment of the county’s waterfront properties.

“Onondaga County Community College received $99,957 for the Pathways to Employment project, which offers short-term occupational programs for unemployed workers to prepare them for jobs in health care, transportation, manufacturing, wholesale and other industries.

“Clear Path for Veterans, a Chittenango-based veterans support organization, was awarded $89,348 for its Culinary Corps Training and Placement Program, which offers a 14-week training program for unemployed veterans to prepare them for jobs in the food and beverage industry.

“Apple Acres, LLC, a family-owned apple orchard, received $550,000 for their Apple Acres Expansion project, which will fund a new packing house and storage facility, allowing the orchard to expand its supply and take on more businesses.

“These projects are just a few of the many REDC-funded projects and initiatives that will create more good-paying jobs here in Central New York, as well as attract new businesses and encourage existing businesses to expand.”