Regional Economic Development Council Initiative Supports Over 100 Long Island-Based Projects

Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced that over $700 million in grants will be awarded through Round VI of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative, $62 million of which will support over 100 Long Island-based projects.

“Through the Regional Economic Development Councils, we have replaced the ‘one-size fits all’ approach to economic growth with a ‘ground-up’ strategy that focuses on cooperation and investing in regional assets to generate opportunity,” Governor Cuomo said. “By bringing together ideas from local government and community leaders with state resources, we are giving these councils the tools to create jobs and drive economic activity in their communities for generations to come. I congratulate the Regional Councils on their awards, and look forward to continuing to work together to build a stronger New York for all.”

Locally, grants were awarded to Water Mill Foundation – Fellowship Workforce Expansion ($48,000), East End Tourism Alliance – Virtual Tours of Long Island’s East End ($206,250), Montauk Inlet Seafood, Inc – Inlet Seafood Ice Project ($300,000), North to South Real Estate, LLC – Downtown Riverhead East End Market ($200,000), Parrish Art Museum – The Parrish as Catalyst for the Cultural Economy ($49,500), Suffolk County – Blueway Trail ($60,000), Suffolk County – Woodhull Dam Fish Passage ($278,964), Town of Southampton – Riverside Sewer Map ($30,000), Village of Sag Harbor – LWRP Update ($50,000) and Village of Southampton – Rehabilitation of Historic Nugent Carriage House ($210,000).

“These economic development grants represent a major commitment by the State of New York to take the lead in creating jobs and improving the economy,” added Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. “I am pleased that Long Island was chosen for such substantial funding and that the businesses and communities in my District will benefit.”