By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-996627.mp3
Plattsburgh, NY – The North Country Regional Economic Development Council was named one of the top four plans and awarded the second highest level of funding: 103-point-2 million dollars. Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Co-Chair of the North Country Regional Council Gary Douglas says they were shocked and ecstatic.
Douglas and others say the plan will help transform the economy of the Northern Tier.
SUNY Plattsburgh Department of Economics and Finance Chair Colin Read says the win came down to a compelling message.
One of the sectors identified in the regional plan for enhanced development is tourism. Lake Placid Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Spokesperson Kim Riley says the plan uses tourism as a catalyst for community development.
Cross Border Development Company Owner and founder Mark Barie has worked with past economic development panels and is pleased and startled at the funding levels.
The North Country Regional Economic Development Council will continue to meet monthly.