Vice President Joe Biden and Gov. Andrew Cuomo were at Canal Ponds Business Park in Greece Monday to celebrate the announcement of a national photonics institute in Rochester.

Biden jokingly said he was "in town to announce what's already been announced" after Sen. Charles Schumer said last week that New York's bid was selected from among three finalists competing for the Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation. The Defense Department has committed $110 million in grant money, while the state and private investors have provided another $500 million.

Biden said the nation is making a comeback on the manufacturing front and says we need a more modern infrastructure and the most skilled workforce in the world.

"Innovation is who we are ... and that's what manufacturing is about," he said.

Speaking to the younger members in the audience, he assured them: "You guys aren't going to hear the word outsourcing."

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[caption id="attachment_18231" align="alignleft" width="680"] Vice President Joe Biden offers remarks about the photonics industry at Monday's announcement in Greece. JAMIE GERMANO / Staff photographer[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_18232" align="alignleft" width="680"] Vice President Joe Biden, center, is briefed on photonics technology with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and others at Canal Ponds in Greece. Justin Murphy/@CitizenMurphy/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER[/caption]