The deadlines for two state-wide economic development competitions are approaching. The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council held a public meeting at the Wegmans Conference Center Wednesday afternoon to discuss their progress in both.
The council approved projects to include in applications for both Round V of the annual REDC initiative as well as the Upstate Revitalization Initiative.
Finger Lakes Co-chair Joel Seligman says, because there are multiple competitions, there are multiple opportunities to get innovative projects funded.
"There's been great vision and understanding that some of what we need to achieve for the future of our region can be perused through URI, and some through other sources, and we're seeking them all."
The council also invited the public to comment on their most recent draft for the URI proposal.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says the meetings have exemplified the governor's original mission, was to empower people on the local level in driving economic investment.
"You really have tremendous turn out at these meetings, and the participation is exactly what the governor is looking for when he wanted to end the area of top-down economic development, where the decisions are made in Albany."
