“It's a great day for the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions; it’s one of the most significant days we've had in a long time. These Regional Economic Development Council victories have the potential to truly transform our economic future. First and foremost, I have to express our collective congratulations and gratitude for all of the time, energy and hard work that's been done by our local and regional council members since 2011. Their efforts have been admirable to identify the right priorities and put forth the most effective short — and long-term plans, and I can't say enough about their leadership and vision Their effective presentations for competitive Upstate Revitalization Initiative grants took top honors this morning, each worth $500 million.

“These critical, targeted capital investments will help create jobs for middle-class families in our community. While this investment represents a potentially transformative commercial spark, we still have a lot of work to do on the road to full economic recovery. Now, pushing ahead with these local foundations being put in place, it will be imperative heading into the 2016-17 state budget cycle to advance policies that will provide bold and aggressive tax and regulatory relief for small businesses, manufacturers and farmers. We have to take every step to spark private-sector investment and job creation so that we can turn our upstate economy around for good so businesses, large and small, can grow and prosper for the benefit of our workers and their families.”