BUFFALO – Gov. Eliot Spitzer put his $1 billion Upstate Revitalization Fund into more detail Wednesday, pledging hundreds of millions to upgrade economic infrastructure, agriculture and neighborhood housing during New York’s first-ever State of Upstate address at Buffalo State College.
The bulk of Spitzer’s proposed spending – $350 million – would go toward constructing economic development-ready sites, upgrading existing sites to meet today’s business standards and improving water, sewer and drainage systems. Part of that $350 million will also go toward a small business loan program, seed money for “incubator” businesses that can turn research at upstate institutions like Binghamton University into products and jobs, and a marketing campaign to encourage upstate trade with Canada.
Aside from economic development, the overall revitalization plan would create a $50 million agribusiness development fund, a second round of “City by City” development projects (the Charles Street Business Park in Binghamton and the Bresee’s Building in Oneonta both received this funding in 2007), $100 million in housing improvements, a $15 million fund for expanding broad-band Internet access, $100 million in bridge improvements and $80 million for state parks.
The $1 billion fund was based on feedback received after visits by Upstate Economic Development Director Dan Gunderson to each county, where he met with citizens and local leaders, Spitzer said.
Statewide, Spitzer also wants to create a bi-partisan commission to examine the cause of rising taxes, recommend plans for middle-class property tax relief and develop a cap for school taxes.
The governor will reveal how he plans to pay for these programs next week when he submits his 2008-09 budget to the Legislature. He claims the plan will not raise taxes.
“The truth is that we will never grow again; we will never prosper again; we will never become a beacon of hope and opportunity again if part of our state is thriving and another part is falling behind,” Spitzer said Wednesday. “So we must come together and channel all of the passion, energy and determination that is within us toward one goal: Restoring growth and prosperity to Upstate New York.”
Several state and local leaders believe, if followed through, that Spitzer’s outline for upstate is good news for this area, too.
“The state is stepping up to the plate and looking at the important economic barriers that we all face in our communities. They have really listened to the economic professionals and businesses and I believe that Dan Gunderson and his staff are on the right track with the plan that they have put together,” said Commerce Chenango President and CEO Maureen Carpenter. “It is my hope that the programs outlined will be accessible and meet the needs of all communities and not become focused and targeted at our larger upstate cities.”
The $350 million fund for business infrastructure could mean there will be dollars steered toward major development projects like the Earl B. Clark Industrial Park in North Norwich and much-needed transportation upgrades, Carpenter hopes.
“I am hopeful that Chenango County will be able to tap into some of these programs for industrial park and site development, Route 12 improvements, and financial assistance for our local businesses and that these programs will open the door for us to recruit new business to our area,” said Carpenter.
As for the $50 million agribusiness fund, county Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers says it’s a positive first step.
“We welcome all infusions into the ag industry,” he said, “Which is anything that supports the local food supply, addresses our national security and stabilizes the local economy.”
Spitzer’s goal is to open up agriculture to markets in New York City, build new and expanded food processing centers, and develop alternative fuels. Funds will also go towards research at schools like Morrisville College and creating a wholesale Farmers’ Market in New York City.
Vickers said improving the marketing of farm products beyond local is a key component of the governor’s plan.
“Marketing is one of the lacking components of local agriculture in Chenango County,” he said.
City of Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano said funding for sewer and water upgrades, as well as an increase in state aid, could positively impact the city and surrounding area.
“We don’t know yet how it will be divided up,” said Maiurano. “I think his intentions are pretty good. And if it works out, they could really do something to jump-start the economy.”
Senator Jim Seward (R-Oneonta) said he’s remaining optimistic that the plan will work for Chenango County and other rural areas in his district.
“It’s a very positive development that the Governor this year is focusing on Upstate needs, in particular the Upstate economy,” said Seward in a phone interview Wednesday. “Last year there was a lot of rhetoric, but very little action. This is positive. When we get the budget next week we’ll see how he intends to fund these initiatives.
“We have to make sure our small cities and towns get their fair share,” Seward added.