Governor will announce funding Dec. 10

YATES COUNTY--Several Yates County projects recommended for funding by the state may see financing this month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be announcing the funding awards for the 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) Wednesday, Dec. 10. While the Finger Lakes are in the running for some of the state money, it is not guaranteed the area will be selected for funding.
The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) outlined several priority projects in its 2014 progress report earlier in the year. Yates County has several such projects being recommended for state funding in this report. According to the FLREDC priority report, "The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council will support projects that aid in repair and recovery efforts in Yates County, and improve the area economy."
One such priority project includes funding for the village of of Dundee's New York Main Street Program. This project provides financial resources and technical assistance to communities to strengthen the economic vitality of the state's traditional Main Streets and neighborhoods. This involves grants to conduct building renovations as well as streetscape enhancement. The requested amount for this is $200,000.
Also listed is the Keuka Lakefront Development Project, Phase One. This project includes the construction of a 72 room hotel, 36 high-end housing units, a 20 slip marina, a commercial plot and public walkways. According to the report, a "12 month construction schedule is desired to begin as soon as possible and no later than March 2015. Housing is scheduled to start in late fall 2015 with the hotel opening scheduled for spring 2016.
Community Development Director with the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center (FLEDC) Alex Taylor said the requested funding amount is $750,000, which he adds was increased to this number due to the discovery of soil conditions that would require deeper pilings for the hotel project.
The Finger Lakes Museum's Discovery Campus in Branchport was listed as a priority project by the FLREDC. The requested funding amount is $850,000. Executive Director Phil Lentini said this money would go into working to finish the interior of the space. The Finger Lakes Museum has previously been awarded grants of $578,000 in 2013 and nearly $2.3 million in 2012 by the state.
Yogurt manufacturer Emmi Roth in Penn Yan is prioritized for state money to fund their yogurt manufacturing expansion in Penn Yan. This is part of an $11.6 million multi-year investment project which involves hiring new workers. Taylor said Emmi Roth has already received the funding from the state for this project, which was $400,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from ESD, which are tied directly to the company's job creation and investment commitments.
The town of Middlesex was also recommended for state funds for improvements to their water system. The requested amount was for $695,000, with a $95,000 local share.