Regional Spotlight: North Country
North Country named "Top Performer," awarded $90.2 million
The North Country was named a “Top Performer” in Round Two of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) credits its accomplishments to the collaboration across all sectors— business, labor, education and government—as well as unprecedented public participation from all corners of the seven county region. Consistent with Governor Cuomo’s vision for the regional councils serving as a community-based approach to economic development, public participation helped differentiate the North Country plan and its priorities. This Round Two achievement continues the momentum from Round One and has the NCREDC busy implementing its Strategic Plan and the projects that support the region’s vision for economic growth and prosperity.
Already, the North Country has seen the successful launch of some of its Round One projects. From North Country Pastured, a USDA certified, mobile poultry processing facility that is expected to begin operations next month, to Bombardier Transportation, a global leader in rail technology that is expanding and creating and retaining hundreds of jobs, NCREDC projects across the region are moving forward and growing the regional economy. Projects like the new 60-MW Black River-ReEnergy plant are a win for the entire region, as it would provide all of the energy needs at Fort Drum Army Base and is expected create 300 jobs in the North Country. The biomass facility is scheduled to open in early 2013. The company’s $35 million investment was aided by NCREDC’s allocation of $30 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds. In addition, the company will also purchase $11 million in wood products annually from local producers.
In Round Two, the NCREDC was awarded $90.2 million for 82 projects. Projects awarded funding include:
The International Paper Natural Gas Energy Conversion project, the Creekwood Phase II and Carthage Apartment projects and the Strand Performing Arts Center project, which align with and support the NCREDC’s Strategic Plan. International Paper will use an award of $1.75 million to convert already existing power plants from heating oil to natural gas to support the long-term stability of this major manufacturing operation. This initiative will reduce operating costs and is eco-friendly, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent.
The Creekwood Phase II and Carthage Apartment projects will support the construction of close to 470 units for families and military personnel at Fort Drum, essential to the future of the Army Base. Fort Drum is critical to the North Country economy, with its 33,000 military and civilian staff, and is home to the 10th Mountain Division, one of the most deployed units in the United States Army. The growth stimulated by Fort Drum has led to unique requirements to support continued growth and expansion of this critical mission, including four housing projects funded through the CFA initiative.
With support from the NCREDC, the historic Strand Performing Arts Center in Plattsburgh will now enter the final phase of its restoration, with the goal of reopening soon as one of the region’s premier arts and culture assets.
The North Country Regional Economic Development Council is very excited about the many new projects and developments that are in its future, and has already hit the ground running in preparation for Round Three.
For more information on the NCREDC and its work, please visit:
http://www.northcountryopenforbusiness.com
http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/north-country
