Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush announced that communities across the 117th Assembly District will receive more than $2.03 million in Regional Economic Development Council awards, supporting critical investments in workforce training, child care, flood mitigation, infrastructure resilience, recreation and economic development throughout Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

“These investments reflect the real priorities of the North Country, strengthening our workforce, protecting our communities from flooding, improving infrastructure and supporting local economic growth,” said Blankenbush. “This funding will help our towns, counties and local organizations move important projects forward that make our region a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Projects receiving funding in Jefferson County include $316,000 for Jefferson-Lewis BOCES to expand welding and heavy equipment training facilities and $495,000 for Little Luke’s Childcare LLC to purchase and renovate a new facility, expanding access to child care for working families.

In Lewis County, awards include funding for flood resiliency and planning efforts, such as $129,048 for an East Martinsburg Road flood study and $60,028 for dam analysis to improve flood preparedness. Additional funding will support county-wide pre-planning and zoning updates, as well as $208,056 for new trail maintenance equipment to enhance recreational tourism.

St. Lawrence County will receive $50,000 for wastewater infrastructure resiliency upgrades in flood-prone areas and $380,000 to support the establishment of a fully integrated natural flake graphite processing facility, strengthening the region’s role in advanced manufacturing and supply-chain development.

“These projects demonstrate how strategic state investment can support local solutions,” Blankenbush added. “I will continue advocating for funding that recognizes the unique needs of rural communities and ensures the North Country is not left behind.”