Governor Hochul Highlights Western New York Investments as Part of FY 2024 Executive Budget

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced details of key proposals from her Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget to grow jobs and boost the economy in Western New York. In line with the 2023 State of the State, the budget includes a major investment to increase housing supply and expand economic opportunity and innovation in the region.

"As a Buffalo native, I am proud to say that brighter days are ahead for Western New York," Governor Hochul said. "Through these critical investments in housing, education, and infrastructure, I'm committed to securing a budget that delivers for the region. Together, we will make Western New York more prosperous, more affordable, more livable and safer for the next generation of New Yorkers."

Several of the budget proposals Governor Hochul announced today are in line with the Economic Innovation Plan announced in the 2023 State of the State to grow jobs and businesses by expanding economic opportunity and innovation across New York State through targeted investments, business support and other programming aimed at high-growth industries. The Governor's budget includes several initiatives to invest in higher education and improve local attractions across the state. For Western New York, the plan includes:

• $2.9 billion in School Aid for Western New York
• $248.2 million Foundation Aid increase for Western New York
• $211 million for DOT capital projects to repair and replace bridges throughout the region
• $113 million for local paving and pothole repairs
• $100 million for new and renovated research buildings, laboratories, and state-of-the art instrumentation at University at Buffalo
• Over $75 million for parks and regional assets, including:
  • $47 million for Niagara Falls Visitor Center
  • $24 million for new Feedmore Distribution Center
  • $3.5 million for Niagara Falls Crows Nest Extension
  • $1 million for Artpark
• $41 million for Western New York addiction services funding
• $20 million for Erie County Water Infrastructure
• Over $10.4 million in capital investments at Western New York community colleges, including:
  • $8 million for Erie Community College
  • $2.2 million for Niagara Community College
  • $228,000 for Jamestown Community College
• $10 million for City of Buffalo Recovery and Planning, Public Works/Storm Response Facility
• $5 million for Buffalo Community Health Building
• Over $2 million for Neighborhood and Rural Preservation housing funding

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "With strategic investments supporting business, education, housing and regional assets like Niagara Falls and UB, Governor Hochul's budget reinforces Western New York's resilience and further fuels its momentum. I applaud her commitment to expanding economic opportunity in the region that will benefit business, residents and visitors alike."

University at Buffalo President Satish K. Tripathi said, "I would like to thank Governor Hochul for her support and vision of excellence for SUNY and UB. All of us at UB very much appreciate the governor's investment in UB's research enterprise—including our buildings and laboratories—and her commitment to ensure that we have the best educational and research facilities, which, combined, are driving educational excellence and innovation, and sustained economic prosperity for Western New York and New York State."

City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, "Thank you Governor Hochul for this dynamic and doable budget for all ofWestern New York, especially the City of Buffalo. If you look at the funding behind Governor Hochul's priorities, there is something in every category for every municipality. As our region is experiencing increasingly tough winter weather, these resources for a comprehensive state of the art Department of Public Works facility for our City will be crucial. I am excited to fight for this budget and speak to my colleagues in government to complete both this DPW Campus project and provide additional important resources for our residents."

Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa said, "The Governor continues to invest in Western New York, funding local infrastructure projects. Our region needs additional infrastructure funding and I look forward to working with the Governor and our state leaders to identify those needs to update our aging infrastructure. The investments into the University at Buffalo announced today are especially important to our community and will have a significant impact."