By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-991431.mp3
New Paltz, NY – The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council has released its first draft strategy report to build the regional economy ... Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Under Governor Andrew Cuomo's plans for state funding of economic development initiatives, New York has been sectioned into 10 regions that are competing for funding from the Empire State Development Corporation. The four highest-scoring regions will get $40 million each out of a $200 million pot. The other six will share the remainder. Atop the list of the Mid-Hudson plan's "goals and supporting strategies" ::: targeting job creation investments through "identifiable industry clusters" such as biotech, high-tech manufacturing and information technology. The Council's strategic plan entails a group of industries within a broadly defined "green" or natural infrastructure sector. The plan also favors tapping into everything from housing to small business to infrastructure and sustainability issues, plus waterfront development and taking advantage of the region's proximity to New York City. The idea is to create permanent jobs in the changing global economy. The Mid-Hudson Council's draft is currently open for public comment. All 10 Regional councils are to submit the final versions of their plans in mid-November.