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200 ADDITIONAL UPSTATE LEADERS JOIN GOVERNOR’S PUSH FOR COMPREHENSIVE UPSTATE REVITALIZATION PLAN
More than 500 Representatives of Agriculture, Labor, Business and Education Join
Forces in Support of $1 Billion Fund to Revive Upstate Economy
Governor Eliot Spitzer today received more than 200 additional endorsements for his Upstate Revitalization Plan during a meeting with the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce. This additional wave of support expands the Governor’s Upstate coalition to include more than 500 representatives of business, labor, education, agriculture and religious organizations throughout Upstate New York. Today’s endorsers include more than 50 New York farmers, whose futures depend on an economically vibrant Upstate New York.
“The Upstate Revitalization Plan has received wide support because the businesses and residents of Upstate New York are desperate for change,” said Governor Spitzer. “The future of the entire state depends on a robust Upstate, with good jobs, affordable housing, sound infrastructure, and livable communities. This fund will infuse critical resources to help jump start the economy. Together we will see that Upstate New York gets the help it badly needs.”
The Governor's Upstate Revitalization Fund is one of several initiatives in the Executive Budget designed to make the Upstate region more attractive to growing businesses and families by reducing the costs of doing business, making key investments in infrastructure, housing, transportation and parks, and making more capital available to businesses. The Governor plans to work with the State Legislature to build 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.
Michael Quill, Mayor of Auburn, said: “It is exciting to have the Governor here in Auburn today. His proposed Upstate Revitalization Fund proves to me and others that he is truly concerned about the people and economy of Upstate. All New Yorkers should get behind him and support this plan for revitalization.”
Sandy Parker, President and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance, said: “The fact that the list of supporters continues to grow shows me that Upstate residents really feel that the Upstate Revitalization Fund is important to our region’s future. This fund will provide the infusion needed to jumpstart our economy and create jobs, which will not only benefit Upstate, but all of New York State. ”
Terri Bridenbecker, Executive Director of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, said: “I commend Governor Spitzer, on behalf of the members of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors, for his vision and demonstrated efforts in addressing the economic challenges in Cayuga County, as well as Upstate New York. I support his efforts in promoting economic growth through his Upstate Revitalization Fund.”
Rich Jerome, owner of Jerome’s U-Pick fruit farm in Naples, said: “We appreciate the Governor’s determination in revitalizing Upstate New York, and thank him for including agriculture in that equation. Family farms have long generated positive economic activity for local communities and we look forward to the successes the industry will be able to achieve with this smart proposal.”
Other proposals which would be part of the Upstate Revitalization Fund include:
A full list of endorsements can be found here.