Governor Hochul Announces an Additional $24 Million Awarded Through Round XII of Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

Third Batch of Approved Awards Include 28 Shovel-Ready Projects

Full List of Round XII Awardees Can Be Found Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $24 million has been awarded to support 28 priority projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Round XII included core capital grant and tax-credit funding from Empire State Development, which was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities. Funding will support impactful projects that align with each region's strategic goals.

"These 28 shovel-ready projects represent incredible opportunities to foster economic growth, create jobs, and drive private investment across New York State," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to the continued efforts and recommendations of the Regional Economic Development Councils, our REDC Initiative will continue to help communities meet pressing needs through strategic investments and robust state support."

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils, said, "Serving in this role, it has been incredible traveling across the state and seeing firsthand the positive impact these investments are having in communities across New York. Through the Regional Economic Development Councils, we will continue to boost our economy, create good jobs, and invest in our future."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Empowering regional stakeholders to take their knowledge and understanding of local priorities and assets to best direct state investments is a proven formula for success. These shovel-ready projects will drive our economy forward and lead to growth and prosperity across the state."

This third round of projects was recommended by each Regional Council because of their project readiness and alignment with each region's strategic plan. Highlights include:

Soleno USA Inc. (Capital Region) - $975,000 ESD Grant, $1.125 Million Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit: Through its project in Saratoga Springs, Soleno USA Inc. will make investments at a new plant to allow the company to provide a sustainable solution for mastering storm waters to public and private sectors, with the production of a range of large diameter pipes (600mm to 4000mm) in addition to being able to offer their customers an alternative to Polypropylene pipes up to 1500mm. Total Project Cost: $10.75 Million

EMCom, Inc. Expansion Project (Central New York) - $235,000 ESD Grant, $150,000 Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit: EMCom, Inc., a 27-year-old Auburn-based advanced manufacturer, will expand its operations through significant upgrades to its equipment and facility. This expansion will maintain the company's viability in the industry, allow them to gain new contracts, and prepare them to support upcoming micro electronic manufacturing in the region. Total Project Cost: $1.2 Million

Magnatag, Inc. Expansion Part 2 (Finger Lakes) - $250,000 ESD Grant, $250,000 Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit: Magnatag, a manufacturer of customized magnetic white board systems, will purchase new machinery and equipment to expand manufacturing operations in Macedon, Wayne County. The new machinery and equipment will allow the company to diversify and expand its product line. Total Project Cost: $5 Million

Unique Electric Solutions Advanced Battery Manufacturing Plant (Long Island) - $300,000 ESD Grant, $300,000 Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit: Unique Electric Solutions (UES) will establish a first-of-its-kind battery pack welding line for commercial electric trucks, buses, and stationary battery programs in Holbrook, Suffolk County. The facility will bring this high-tech operation to US shores that has been traditionally imported from abroad. Total Project Cost: $3 Million

S.I.C. Film School Yonkers Campus (Mid-Hudson) - $450,000 ESD Grant: Social Impact Content (S.I.C.) Film School will remodel a portion of the North Broadway Armory in Downtown Yonkers to create a state-of-the-art film school. S.I.C. provides high-quality film and media training to meet the growing demand for skilled film production workers, establishes career pathways, and connects students to the largest soundstage development in the Northeast. The facility will also become a hub for art and cultural opportunities, with a focus on social impact content. Total Project Cost: $4.46 Million

Duofold Building, LLC (Mohawk Valley) - $3.5 Million ESD Grant: Duofold Building, LLC, will revitalize the former Sperry UNIVAC Complex in Ilion, Herkimer County. The development plan includes a full historical restoration of the property with the bottom two floors of the main building being used exclusively for commercial purposes and the top floors being transformed into market-rate apartments. Total Project Cost: $19.2 Million

Magellan Aerospace New York Expansion (New York City) - $295,000 ESD Grant: Magellan Aerospace New York will invest in cutting-edge equipment which will play a crucial role in optimizing and streamlining the Company's manufacturing operations. New York has been a leader in the aerospace global supply chain for over a century, and Magellan Aerospace will continue to prioritize investment to support complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, defense and space agencies worldwide. Total Project Cost: $1.5 Million

SEPAC, Inc. Expansion (Southern Tier) - $295,000 ESD Grant: SEPAC, Inc., a designer and producer of electromagnetic and magnetic particle brakes for aerospace, will expand their manufacturing facility in Elmira, Chemung County. The expansion includes machinery and equipment that will enhance SEPAC's operations in renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, defense and transportation, increase product offerings, and facilitate new market opportunities in the agricultural and pharmaceutical packaging sectors. Total Project Cost: $3.85 Millionss

Artpark & Company, Inc. Power Extension (Western New York) - $800,000 ESD Grant: Artpark will expand its Performing Arts and Visual Arts programming in the newly constructed Connectors Trails Project areas of Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park in Niagara County. The additional power into public spaces of Artpark State Park will better connect Artpark with the Village of Lewiston and the existing trails of the Lower Niagara Region, engaging new audiences and providing year-round programming that supports increased local and regional economic impacts. Total Project Cost: $9.8 Million

The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. To date, through the REDC Initiative, more than $7.7 billion has been awarded to more than 9,500 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region's strategic plan. The application for ESD grant funds has closed for the round and is anticipated to reopen in mid-May. Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region's economic development priorities can prepare to apply through the Consolidated Funding Application.

About the Consolidated Funding Application

The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov