North Country Chamber Discusses Upstate Revitalization Initiative Proposal

In January, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an Upstate Revitalization Initiative through Regional Economic Development Councils as a separate competition for development monies in upstate regions. The Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier are competing to be one of three REDC’s to receive up to $500 million from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative.  The proposals were due at Empire State Development on Monday.  Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Garry Douglas, co-chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, explains to WAMC North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley that they’re calling their initiative “Ignite”.   
In late October, all seven regions will make a full, formal presentation of their plans and be questioned by the assessment team in Albany.  Awards are expected to be announced sometime in December.