Empire State Development (ESD) has announced that the North Country region will receive nearly $12.4 million through Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative. The funding will support 34 projects across seven counties and is expected to leverage an additional $42.5 million in public and private investments. An extra $10 million has also been allocated for future high-impact projects in the region.
Hope Knight, ESD President, CEO and Commissioner, said, “Governor Hochul’s REDCs continue to recommend proposals that will create jobs and spur new growth through a locally focused, bottom-up strategy to economic development. By awarding state funding to projects that align with regional priorities, New York is investing in new ideas, new efforts and new developments to promote community growth throughout the state.”
Walter T. Mosley, Secretary of State and REDC Chair, stated, “I want to congratulate all the dedicated individuals who worked so hard in helping promote, shape and drive sustainable economic development in our communities. Over the years, the REDC initiative has created jobs, affordable housing and sparked economies all across our state and the Department of State has been proud to play a role. I look forward to witnessing the growth of our communities through this initiative and seeing these projects come to fruition.”
North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Kathryn Morris and James McKenna commented on their commitment: “Our council is proud to support projects that drive the North Country’s long-term economic vitality. This year’s REDC awards directly invest in our four foundational pillars—placemaking, tradable sectors, workforce development, and regional innovation—ensuring a stronger future for our communities.”
Among the funded projects:
– The Lake Placid Association for Music, Drama and Art received $1.5 million for renovations at its arts center including a LEED-certified theater and expanded educational space.
– Little Lukes Childcare was awarded $495,000 to open a new licensed childcare center addressing urgent needs in Jefferson County by partnering with Milestones Children’s Center for integrated preschool special education services.
– Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer BOCES secured $316,000 for upgrading training facilities with heavy equipment simulators aimed at supporting workforce development in welding and advanced manufacturing.
The REDC program was established in 2011 as part of New York’s approach to economic investment by creating ten regional councils composed of local stakeholders from business, academia, government, and non-governmental organizations. These councils develop strategic plans for their regions using a competitive process for state resources with an emphasis on community-based decision-making.
Empire State Development acts as New York’s main agency for economic growth initiatives across all ten regions of the state. It oversees programs such as broadband expansion via ConnectALL and workforce training through its Office of Strategic Workforce Development while promoting tourism under I LOVE NY.
A full list of awarded projects can be found at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
