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UPSTATE COALITION UNITES BEHIND GOVERNOR SPITZER’S UPSTATE REVITALIZATION FUND
More than 100 Community, Business, Labor and Agricultural Leaders Urge Legislature to Pass Governor’s Upstate Revitalization Plan
Governor Eliot Spitzer today received endorsements for his proposed $1 billion Upstate Revitalization Fund from a broad-based community coalition of more than 100 business, labor, and agricultural organizations from throughout Upstate New York who traveled to the City of Binghamton to support the administration’s plan.
The endorsements highlight the growing momentum, spearheaded by Sandy Parker of the Rochester Business Alliance, behind the Revitalization Fund. The proposed fund would infuse badly-needed capital into the Upstate economy and position the region as an engine for economic growth and opportunity. The group is calling on the State legislature to pass the Governor’s fund as it is outlined in his Executive Budget proposal.
“I’m pleased that more than 100 of our Upstate leaders are coming together to back this effort to revitalize the Upstate economy,” said Governor Spitzer. “We’re at a critical moment in our state’s history because so many of us agree that we must put our regional and political differences aside to help Upstate. We must go to everyone who cares about the future of Upstate – and the future of New York as a whole - and say, ‘join us,’ to pass a budget that reflects these priorities.”
The Governor's Upstate Revitalization Plan is designed to make the region more attractive to growing businesses and families by reducing the costs of doing business, making key investments in infrastructure, housing, transportation and parks, as well as initiatives to make more capital available to businesses. The Governor plans to work with the State Legislature pass a budget that builds a consensus around the need for action.
The Governor has proposed a variety of initiatives under the Fund, including $350 million for “Regional Blueprints” to provide capital for creating development-ready sites, industrial parks, establishing small business loan programs, and supporting cutting edge research and job creation.
Other proposals which would be part of the Upstate Revitalization Fund include:
Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala said: “This $1 billion infusion into Upstate New York provides the critical support needed to move our area forward and improve our viability for increased economic growth. I thank Governor Spitzer for his vision and vested interest in revitalizing Greater Binghamton, the home to innovation.”
Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings said: “I applaud Governor Spitzer for his demonstrated commitment to Upstate New York, and look forward to developing a coordinated effort resulting in a cohesive response to Upstate’s issues. The $1 billion earmarked for this initiative is a statement to both the seriousness of purpose and the need to publicly acknowledge that the myriad issues facing Upstate New York need the financial support of state government. This is truly a monumental, bold step for the Governor; one which offers hope for our areas, tied to the resources required to effect transformational change.”
Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan said: “Governor Spitzer has shown that he is serious about restoring Upstate as an engine of economic development. The Upstate Revitalization Fund is comprehensive in its scope and smart in its approach. By coordinating with local leaders to target cities’ specific needs, the Governor will ensure substantial and sustainable progress for the Upstate economy and quality of life. I look forward to working with Governor Spitzer’s Office to utilize this Fund in Binghamton, as we turn a new page in our City’s tradition as the Valley of Innovation.”
Syracuse Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll said: "The Governor has listened to the Upstate cities and tailored a plan that will provide the revenue needed to get our individual plans from the discussion stage to the action stage. It is incumbent upon all of us to help the Governor secure these funds so development and jobs flourish in Upstate this year, creating spin-off opportunities that will be measured in future years."
Catherine Glover, President and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce said: “The Greater Binghamton Region is pleased to support the Governor’s obvious focus on unanimity in accomplishing our end goal of a vital and synergistic economy. The future of Upstate is truly dependant upon the motivation, drive and resources that the Governor is able to provide to this essential initiative. We applaud the Governor for his vision and commitment in developing an innovative economic development plan to revitalize Upstate New York and truly believe that ‘One New York’ can be accomplished successfully with the help of the myriad groups now on board working as a team.”
Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said: “Governor Spitzer’s commitment to reinvest in our magnificent but deteriorating state parks - 80 percent of which are located Upstate - recognizes the important role parks and historic sites play in the Upstate economy. With 55 million visitors annually, parks boost tourism, create jobs, and make communities more livable and vibrant. We are thrilled to join the Governor, business leaders and labor unions, to build broad support for Governor Spitzer's historic plan to revitalize our Upstate communities.”
Ted Houghton, Executive Director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, said: “With the creation of the Housing Opportunity Fund, Governor Spitzer has made affordable housing a State priority once more. While there is an enormous unmet need for housing that is safe, attractive and affordable, a commitment of $400 million, including $100 million targeted for Upstate, is a giant step forward. Investing public dollars in affordable and supportive housing development is the essential first step to bringing back troubled neighborhoods. It is the foundation that gives communities the stability they need to succeed. We are especially pleased that supportive housing for homeless and low-income people with barriers to independence will be a central component of the Governor’s housing and economic development plans.”
Scott Whittaker, President of Broome County Farm Bureau and a Whitney Point dairy farmer said: “We appreciate Governor Spitzer's effort to help revitalize the Southern Tier economy through agriculture, its largest industry. The Upstate Revitalization Fund will be a critical tool to help our farm families compete and thrive in the worldwide economy.”
Jim Collins, President of the Binghamton/Oneonta Building Trades, said: "The Building Trades are looking forward to supporting the Governor's Upstate Revitalization. It will provide employment opportunities for local skilled trades people in the Southern Tier.”
For the full list of supporters click here.