Following today’s announcement of funding awards for the state’s regional economic development councils, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-C-I, Corning) expressed his thanks to members of both the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes councils who worked so hard to develop and win millions of dollars for projects in Steuben and Yates counties.

The Southern Tier region was awarded $49.4 million, and Finger Lakes $68.8 million, for various economic development projects submitted under the governor’s regional council initiative. The state was divided into 10 regions, with councils consisting of public-private partnerships developing economic development projects based on a region’s strengths and assets. The regions presented strategic plans and competed for nearly $800 million in awards.

“I am very grateful to the individuals who worked tirelessly to develop these regional strategies which will keep our area moving forward and creating jobs,” Palmesano said. “The councils worked diligently on a very tight timeline, and I know their agendas were very full for many weeks. My hat’s off to them for accomplishing a Herculean task.”

“This is just the first round,” Palmesano said, adding that Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders have agreed that a second round of funding will be included in next year’s state budget. He noted the groundwork which has been laid by the economic development councils will effectively guide the region through future economic development initiatives.