Press Release

Release: Montgomery County’s Priority Economic Development Projects Receive Funding

Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council Tabbed As Top Performer, Awarded $81.9 Million

FONDA - Montgomery County received great news on a host of fronts on Thursday afternoon. The Mohawk Valley received a Top Performer designation at the Regional Economic Development Council awards, in Albany, and was awarded $81.9 million. Montgomery County, which continues to play a significant role in the Mohawk Valley's economic renaissance, received funding for nearly all of the grants that were submitted as priority projects.

"I am beyond thrilled," Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort said. "This awards announcement marks a great year for the county and the region, as a whole, when it comes to the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process. To receive funding for all of our priority projects throughout Montgomery County is fantastic news. I am excited about putting the money from these grant awards into action and keeping the local economy moving forward."

"Nearly all of the projects that were submitted by our office were funded and that is great news," Montgomery County Business Development Center Director Ken Rose said. "These awards and this funding is critical to these priority projects that we have ongoing at the county level."

The City of Amsterdam will benefit from four of the grants that were awarded. Those projects include economic development and small business assistance and funding for a park on the south side of the city, not far from the new Mohawk Gateway Overlook pedestrian bridge.

"I am very happy that the city faired so well at today's announcement," City of Amsterdam Mayor Michael Villa said. "The positive relationship between the city and the county continues to blossom and provide real results for our residents. The funding to the economic development and incubator projects will help the city continue moving forward economically and these grants should help spark small business activity and entice new business interests."

Project Funded, Amount - Description

• Florida Business Park Extension Infrastructure Improvements Dollar General, $1,500,000 - Continued infrastructure improvements in the development of the Florida Business Park Extension by the Montgomery County Industrial Development Agency (MCIDA).
• Public Safety & Emergency Services Facility Relocation, $671,575 - Relocating the Montgomery County Public Safety Facility Emergency Services & Sheriff's Garage out of the flood zone and up at the county jail facility.
• Exit 29 LWRP Redevelopment Project, $85,000 - Prepare a funding application, engage consultants to address economic reuse of the 26-acre former Beechnut Site in downtown Canajoharie.
• City of Amsterdam Microenterprise Project, $200,000 - Establishing a financial assistance program for small businesses and startup businesses in the City of Amsterdam.
• Sanford Clock Tower Incubator Project, $500,000 - Renovation of the upper floors to establish an incubator space and rehab office space.
• Arkell Museum Curator of Museum Education & Public Engagement, $43,000 - Creating an education and public engagement position to manage and promote local participation in the museum.
• American Art Above Ground Storage Collection Feasibility Study, $60,000 - Establish a feasibility study to look at moving the existing below ground storage facility above ground to remediate potential flooding issues.
• John Sampone Senior Memorial Park, $62,000 - Creating a children's park on the south side of Amsterdam and funding the playground equipment.
• Edson Street Park, $500,000 - Funds awarded to the Amsterdam Industrial Development Agency (AIDA) to upgrade electrical service in the Edson Street Park to accommodate the needs of existing and future businesses.
• Village of Fultonville Joint Sanitary Sewer Improvements, $900,000 - To be used to make sewer infrastructure improvements to the Fultonville-Fonda joint sewer plant.