Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) is highlighting a pair of local economic development projects that will be funded through the second round of competitive grants awarded to the region by the statewide Regional Economic Development Council. Over $96 million was awarded to the Finger Lakes Development Council, which was dubbed as a “Best Plan Awardee.” Two projects being funded by the award will make a direct, local impact, including:

• $2 million in support of a small business revolving loan fund for the nine Finger Lakes counties. The Pathstone Finger Lakes Enterprise Fund will provide essential credit to microenterprise and small businesses, particularly in underserved rural and urban communities, accelerating economic growth and community development; and
• $500,000 for Genesee County’s Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) project. State funding will support the necessary infrastructure improvements to better position the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions as a hub for the next generation of advanced manufacturing companies.

“The ‘Best Plan Award’ received by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council shows that we have the knowledge and vision to generate New York’s economic recovery right here in our community,” said Hawley. “By supporting our small businesses and improving our local infrastructure, our region will be able to create, attract and keep the kind of jobs that can turn our economy around. I applaud all involved in formulating our local plan and thank the governor for commissioning this round of economic development grants as part of state government’s effort to re-open New York for business.”