Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C - Batavia) is highlighting a series of local economic development projects that will be funded through competitive grants awarded to the region by the statewide Regional Economic Development Council. Nearly $69 million was awarded to the Finger Lakes Development Council, which will fund projects in Genesee, Monroe and Orleans counties.
"This funding will be used for a myriad of job-creating projects, featuring smart investments in manufacturing and infrastructure while committing to modernizing the region's workforce," said Hawley. "Our area is now poised to key New York's economic turnaround. I congratulate the members of our regional councils for their hard work that has netted such significant gains for local job seekers and creators."
Last week, Assemblyman Hawley joined his colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference's Western New York delegation in writing to Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy requesting support for the Western New York council's proposal. Thirty thousand dollars worth of that region's funding is committed to increase marketing and promotion of the Niagara Wine Trail. Local projects to be funded through grants for the Finger Lakes region include:
| LOCATION | PROJECT | FUNDING |
| City of Batavia | Improve commercial and residential mixed-use buildings. Rehab 20 buildings with 20 commercial and ten residential units and enhance streetscape. | $450,000 |
| Genesee County | Assist in start-up of Mushroom, Inc., which will provide 92 new jobs, 90% of which available to low-to-moderate income applicants. | $750,000 |
| Town of Batavia | Create West Main Street Sewer District. | $600,000 |
| Town of Albion | Rehab 13 buildings with 12 commercial and four residential units in the Business District of the Town of Albion. $50,000 of the award for streetscape enhancements to attract tourists. | $477,000 |
| Village of Holley | Assist in start-up of HJP Food Center Save-A-Lot, which will provide 13 new jobs, 85% of which available to low-to-moderate income applicants. | $171,167 |
| Genesee, Orleans counties | Replace eight mobile homes with new Energy Star-rated Manufactured Homes. | $400,000 |
| Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties | Provide down payment, moderate rehab, and closing cost assistance to 23 eligible new homebuyers in Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties, with deferred payment loans. | $500,000 |
| Genesee County | Construct additional hen house for expansion of organic egg farm at Kreher's Sunrise Farm. | $110,310 |
| Genesee County | Rehabilitate 17 homes with grants of up to $7,500 for emergency housing repair needs for elderly homeowners. | $75,000 |