Round 8 of Regional Economic Development Competition is Open for Lewis County Applications

Lewis County businesses, not-for-profits, municipalities encouraged to apply

On May 1, 2018, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched Round VIII of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative, officially kicking off the 2018 competition with more than $750 million in state economic development resources.  The Consolidated Funding Application was open to applicants on May 1, enabling businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and the public to begin applying for assistance from dozens of state programs, through a single application, for job-creation and community development projects.

"The Regional Economic Development Councils have redefined how economic development is done in New York State, creating new jobs, stronger local economies, and more unified regions," Governor Cuomo said. "We are once again empowering regions to chart their future, while providing the necessary tools to implement their vision for community and economic growth, creating a positive impact across the Empire State."

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC), one of the ten REDC’s established by New York State, has received $549.5 million for 537 projects in the first seven rounds.  The NCREDC includes Lewis, Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Franklin, Essex, Clinton and Hamilton Counties.  Each year, the NCREDC must update it’s strategic plan encompassing the vision and goals for economic development in the North Country.  Tourism, strengthening manufacturing businesses, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development are among the primary visions for the region.

“The REDC process creates a great opportunity for Lewis County businesses and organizations to obtain funding assistance for a project. There have been a number of exciting success stories with these awards and we are very motivated to assist other businesses to achieve similar successes” Eric Virkler, Director of Economic Development, stated.

The Lewis County Economic Development office provides grant assistance directly to businesses and not-for-profits who may be looking towards expansion projects in the future.  If you are a local business or not-for-profit looking for more information on the REDC competition, contact Eric Virkler, Lewis County Economic Development Executive Director, at 315-376-3014, ericvirkler@lewiscounty.ny.gov, or visit naturallylewis.com.

Informational sessions on the Consolidated Funding applications and the REDC competition will be held on May 23, 2018, from 1:30pm-4:00pm, at the Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP) Room, 175, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY or on June 29, 2018, 1:30pm-4:00pm, at the ORDA Convention Center, Lake Placid, NY.