WASHINGTON – Last Thursday, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the Economic Development Administration to expedite approvals of an approximate $12,500,000 federal disaster funding package for three economic development projects in the Southern Tier that could sustain or create hundreds of jobs in Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties.

In his letter to the EDA, Schumer highlighted that the federal government must obligate the funds before the deadline at the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. He also noted that each of these three projects promoted post-disaster economic recovery and job creation, a key criteria for disaster funding eligibility, and would bolster job creating initiatives that would boost local economies in the Southern Tier.

Specifically, Schumer called for $4,700,000 for the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) to restore the New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad (NYS&W) from Chenango Forks to Sherburne after a historic flood damaged the tracks. Schumer also renewed his call for the EDA to support the Broome County Industrial Development Agency (BCIDA) $4 million application to create the first-ever high-tech incubator in the Southern Tier, which would create and support 328 jobs in the region. Finally, Schumer urged the EDA to fast-track a $3,800,000 application for the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency (DCIDA) to provide a new plant for Amphenol, the largest private employer in the Southern Tier.