Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that more than $181 million in economic development funding has been approved for 24 projects that are spurring growth and opportunity in nine regions of the state. The funding, approved by Empire State Development’s Board of Directors, supports projects that are creating 1,524 new jobs and retaining 2,009 existing New York State jobs – many of which have already been created or retained. This funding will also leverage more than $5 billion in private assets and other public funding to support local businesses and projects that are building a strong foundation for future economic growth and job creation.

“This funding is part of this administration’s ongoing efforts to create new opportunities for companies and workers all across New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “By investing in these projects, we are jumpstarting local development priorities, attracting new businesses that create jobs, and helping to rebuild New York’s economy. “

“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we are making targeted investments to support key projects and initiatives that are boosting local economies statewide,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Zemsky. “Whether it’s helping critical employers expand or remain in New York, encouraging regional tourism, aiding local communities through infrastructure improvements or supporting strategic industry growth, these projects are strengthening economies and communities from New York City to the North Country.”

Mohawk Valley Region

MVEDGE – Marcy Nanocenter Interceptor Phase 1B (Oneida County) – $4,250,000 Economic Development Growth Enterprises, a not-for-profit corporation doing business as MVEDGE, will use grants of up to $4,250,000 for a portion of the site development costs to move the Marcy Nanocenter at the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) closer to completion and to provide a campus-style layout for manufacturing, research and development, work force training, and recreational spaces.

MVEDGE provides business and economic development assistance in Oneida and Herkimer counties and in 2006, one of its projects, the Marcy Nanocenter, an approximately 420-acre greenfield site located west of the SUNYIT campus in the Town of Marcy, was chosen by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) for the development of a chip fabrication plant. Since 2007, ESD has approved $24 million to attract a semiconductor firm and to bring the Marcy Nanocenter closer to being designated shovel ready. As a result of the Governor’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, MVEDGE was awarded grants totaling $4,250,000 through Rounds 3 and 4 of the Consolidated Funding Application process to further the development of this regionally significant initiative. The Marcy Nanocenter’s proximity to high-tech and semiconductor clusters, secure water and energy sources, a quality work force, three major highways, regional airports, and major U.S. and international markets, will further advance semiconductor manufacturing and create jobs in the Mohawk Valley Region.

This project is consistent with the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council’s plan to build a diverse, integrated and dynamic economy that leverages technology and innovation, and furthers the goal of making Marcy Nanocenter one of the premier mega-sites for advanced manufacturing in New York State.

Fort Schuyler Management Corporation – Quad C Phase 1B (Oneida County) – $3,100,000 Fort Schuyler Management Corporation (FSMC), a real estate development agency, will use a grant of up to $3,100,000 for a portion of the cost to construct Phase 1B of the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad C), a 253,000-square-foot facility including clean rooms, laboratories, offices, lecture center and related utilities that is adjacent to the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute campus in Marcy, Oneida County.

In October 2013, under the leadership and direction of Governor Cuomo, the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (SUNY CNSE), SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and FSMC established Nano Utica, a consortium of leading global technology companies dedicated to creating the second major hub of nanotechnology research and development in New York State. In November 2013, the ESD Directors approved $15 million towards the construction of Phase 1A of the Quad C, which included construction of the building envelope and non-clean room areas. Quad C will attract high tech partners and global computer chip equipment suppliers to Upstate New York. An appropriation of $180,000,000 was also included in the 2014-2015 New York State budget to fund the construction and fit-out of Quad C.

This priority project is consistent with the Regional Plan to build a diverse, integrated and dynamic economy that leverages technology and innovation. The project will create 400 new jobs, including operational staff and faculty employed by FSMC and full-time tenant employees at the Quad C facility engaged in semiconductor research, development, and/or manufacturing activities at the Project Location.