October 22, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $7.8 MILLION IN DOWNSTATE REVITALIZATION FUNDING AWARDS
First Round of Funding Supports Small Business Investment and Development
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the award of $7.8 million to five projects, part of the first round of awards through the Downstate Revitalization Fund. The Governor made the announcement at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which received $1 million to develop a Green Manufacturing Center. The facility will employ 300 full-time workers.
The Governor first announced the $35 million Fund last May as an investment tool to help attract businesses, improve commerce and revitalize local economies. The Fund is administered by Empire State Development (ESD) and available to projects in New York City, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“We must continue to make smart investments and utilize our State’s assets to foster sustainable growth and create jobs,” Governor Paterson said. “The Downstate Revitalization Fund focuses on the interests of the small business community that is at the heart of our economy. The road to fiscal recovery begins by building on their successes and by keeping our entrepreneurs, workers and families in New York.”
The Fund invests in projects that advance local development and small businesses; this includes making improvement to industrial parks and providing loans for purchase of equipment, real estate or other needs. Eligible applicants include municipalities, businesses, academic institutions and non-profits. Awards will range from $100,000 to $5 million. The program gives a preference to requests for loans, with principal repayments able to be recycled for future projects. The first round of funding announced today will finance business investment, infrastructure upgrades and downtown redevelopment.
Empire State Development Chairman and CEO designate Dennis M. Mullen said: “The Downstate Revitalization Fund is a true win-win for everyone. These redevelopment projects are essential to the economic viability of our small businesses and communities Downstate and across New York. By supporting projects that help attract businesses and revitalize our local economies now, we are fostering further investment for the future and expanding opportunities for all New Yorkers.”
To ensure that each project meets the specific needs of its region, all applications undergo a competitive review process by ESD’s Regional Office Directors, with the support of central ESD resources. Requests for business investment assistance are reviewed on a rolling basis, whereas requests for infrastructure and downtown redevelopment assistance follow a quarterly calendar.
In addition to the Brooklyn Navy Yard project, the following grants were awarded in the first round of Downstate Revitalization funding:
Long Island Region
Total Funding: $650,000
- Town of Riverhead Calverton Rail Rehabilitation: $650,000
This project entails the rehabilitation of existing rail spur to an industrial park in an Empire Zone at the Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL) site in the Town of Riverhead. The former Navy property was given to the Town for economic redevelopment.
Mid-Hudson Region
Total Funding: $2.5 million
- Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge Company – Walkway over the Hudson: $2.5 million
This grant continues New York State’s commitment to the $38.8 million public-private partnership that led to the creation of the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. In part, the grant will be used for additional restoration work that will reduce future maintenance costs for the converted rail bridge that dates back to 1888. An independent economic impact study estimated the Walkway will generate $14.6 million in local spending by visitors each year. Since opening earlier this month approximately 75,000 people have visited the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, which sits 212 feet above the Hudson River.
New York City Area
Total Funding: $4.7 million (Total includes $1 million for the Brooklyn Navy Yard)
- Brooklyn Brewery: $800,000
The brewery, which is the largest manufacturer of craft beer in New York City, is undergoing an expansion at its facility in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The multi-phased $6.5 million dollar project will convert 13,500 square feet of vacant distribution space into a beer fermentation facility, increasing brewing capacity in Brooklyn from 8,000 to 50,000 barrels per year. The project will result in the retention of 27 jobs and the creation of 15 new jobs.
- The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc.–Apollo Theater Historic Restoration: $2.9 million
This is part of a $72 million capital project to restore, enhance and sustain the Apollo Theatre. ESD’s financial support will assist with work above the auditorium and on the western wall of the building, including roof and wall repair, asbestos abatement and heating and cooling system replacement.
This is the first of four rounds of funding to be awarded; applicants who were not awarded funding in this round may be considered for future rounds. Applications continue to be accepted. Downstate Revitalization Fund Program application forms are available on Empire State Development’s Web site at www.nylovesbiz.com.
The following statements were given in support of the Downstate Revitalization awards:
Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson said: “Families across New York have been hit hard by the economic crisis, and we are taking action to invest in jobs and in our local communities. I commend Governor Paterson for continuing to lead the efforts in ensuring New Yorkers get back to work, and laying the foundation for a strong economic future.”
Senator Bill Larkin said: “The Walkway Over the Hudson is a unique project which will provide years of enjoyment for future generations of Hudson Valley residents. I commend the Governor and the Empire State Development Corporation for providing this funding and ensuring that this historic structure is available for all to enjoy.”
Senator Velmanette Montgomery said: “This award is a sound investment in Brooklyn’s economic growth and sustainability. I thank the Governor and the ESDC for recognizing and supporting the 'green-sizing' work of the Brooklyn Navy Yard.”
Senator Bill Perkins said: “Above and beyond its iconic cultural contribution to this city and even the world the Apollo Theater is a vital part of the cultural and tourism economy for Harlem, New York City and the State. By helping to preserve this historic institution we also create and maintain jobs and boost economic development in our State.”
Senator Daniel Squadron said: “Investing in local development projects and small businesses like the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the Brooklyn Brewery means investing in a vision of Brooklyn as a center for 21st century jobs. The Downstate Revitalization Fund is a smart way to support working families and local entrepreneurs, and ultimately to stimulate our State’s economy – keeping jobs and commerce right here where they belong. I want to thank the Governor for his continued commitment to supporting local businesses.”
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle said: “I have long been a supporter of rehabilitating the Riverhead rail spur not only as a means to help attract new industries and jobs for our region, but to reduce truck emissions which will contribute to a greener environment. I believe the State is making a wise investment in the Town of Riverhead and have no doubt that the rail spur will be a tremendous asset in terms of enhancing the East End’s economy.”
Assemblyman Marc Alessi said: “This grant will go a long way toward revitalizing our economy. Rehabilitating the Calverton rail spur and bringing freight rail to EPCAL will help lower the cost of goods, reduce traffic congestion, and create jobs here in Suffolk County.”
Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol said: “I would like to thank Governor Paterson and the Empire State Development Corporation for seeing the potential of investing in New York State’s businesses at this moment. These funds could not have come at a more important time because our economy is just beginning to recover. My Assembly District includes two of the recipients of some of this funding, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and the Brooklyn Brewery. The Brooklyn Navy Yard provides jobs for many Brooklyn residents, and these funds will allow them to create more jobs. The Brooklyn Brewery, meanwhile, is one of the most successful homegrown businesses Brooklyn has ever seen. This funding will keep them where they belong, in Brooklyn, as well as allow them to expand their business, thus creating new jobs as well as securing already existing ones.”
Assemblyman Frank Skartados said: “The Walkway Over the Hudson is going to help stimulate the Hudson Valley economy – it will create new, permanent jobs and that is what’s most important right now. That’s why I fought to make sure funding for the Walkway was included in the State budget and why I’ve advocated for additional investments in the project. I commend the governor for this new funding and his commitment to this important economic development project.”
Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright said: “For decades the Apollo Theater has been not only a staple of Harlem culture but also an international venue attracting legendary artists such as Billie Holiday, James Brown and Marvin Gaye. In order to maintain the Apollo’s appeal to top-bill performers, it is essential that repairs and upgrades are made to the structure and performance space. When completed, this historic theater will be an even bigger draw than it is today. I thank Governor Paterson for his dedication to restoring this landmark and helping to maintain the vitality of our community.”
New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash said: “In the few weeks since it officially opened, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park has been receiving fantastic reviews. This new, overwhelmingly popular destination is a testament to the public-private partnership that led to this tremendous bridge transformation. At the same time, it underscores the importance of parks and recreational facilities as economic drivers in our communities.”
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz said: “I want to commend Governor Paterson, for recognizing that the future of our State depends on the green economy. We’re in a race with other industrialized nations to be the greenest, but with all the creativity we have in Brooklyn, especially involved in projects like this job-creating Green Manufacturing Center at the Navy Yard, which has also received great support from Senator John Sampson and the State Senate Democratic Majority, I have a hunch we’re going to be green and they are going to be blue. We thank the Governor as well for his support of Brooklyn Brewery, which has made the ‘Brooklyn’ brand a household name and proved that our borough’s manufacturing tradition is still going strong. Now we look forward to the days when more workers will be finishing a hard days work at their well-paid ‘green jobs’ with a cold refreshing Brooklyn Lager!”
President & CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation Andrew H. Kimball said: “With cutting-edge green infrastructure investments and a rapidly growing cluster of green manufacturers, the Brooklyn Navy Yard has become a national model for sustainable industrial parks. We are grateful that Governor Paterson and the Empire State Development Corporation is providing critical capital support to facilitate the development of a new Green Manufacturing Center that will create more than 300 green-collar jobs, many of which will go to people who live in the surrounding communities.”
Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation Chairman Alan H. Fishman said: “Support from Governor Paterson and ESD will not only allow the Navy Yard to continue to grow and meet the enormous demand for light industrial space, but also leverage significant private sector investments.”
Walkway Over the Hudson Executive Director Amy Husten said: “This significant grant award comes at a critical moment in the Walkway’s ‘Build a Bridge’ capital campaign. This grant will fund core construction costs and new steel repairs that will add jobs and reduce future maintenance costs at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. We are extremely grateful to Governor Paterson and Empire State Development for recognizing the profound significance that the Walkway will have upon the Hudson Valley and the State of New York as a world-class tourist attraction and an economic development initiative.”
President of the Dyson Foundation, which donated more than $2 million to the Walkway project, Robert Dyson said: “This grant award is further positive reinforcement that the Walkway represents a powerful economic development initiative that will bestow significant benefits upon the City of Poughkeepsie, the Town of Lloyd and the entire Mid-Hudson Valley. We are extremely pleased that Governor Paterson and Empire State Development have made this important investment in the future economy of our region.”
Brooklyn Brewery Founder and President Steve Hindy said: “We are grateful to Governor Paterson and Empire State Development for this grant from the Downstate Revitalization Fund. Support like this is vital to growing manufacturing jobs in New York City. These funds will enable us to complete a six-fold capacity expansion, adding 15 full-time jobs with benefits, and further expanding the Brewery’s green initiatives.”
Apollo Theater Foundation President Jonelle Procope said: “Since 1934, the Apollo Theater has been one of the nation’s most iconic and enduring cultural institutions and, as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary this year, this grant award has made it possible for us to preserve this national treasure and to continue to move it forward to a bright future. With this award, the Apollo will be able to complete critical components of our capital restoration project, ensuring that the Theater remain an economic anchor for its surrounding community and a popular destination for thousands of visitors. We are so grateful to have this support from the State of New York and thank Governor Paterson and the staff of the Empire State Development Corporation immensely for investing in the future of this cultural icon.”
Town of Riverhead Supervisor Phil Cardinale said: “I thank the Governor’s office for correctly assessing the critical significance of the Rail Spur Rehabilitation project at Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL). This grant will allow this project to enhance our environment by taking thousands of trucks off our highways and enhance our economy by adding new jobs at the Regional Economic Center, which EPCAL is destined to become.”
