Upstate Revitalization Fund receives 1,000 endorsements from leaders

During a visit to the city, governor David Paterson reaffirmed his commitment to the Upstate Revitalization Fund and accepted signatures from more than 1,000 members of a growing statewide coalition of New Yorkers who support a comprehensive plan for revitalizing the upstate economy. The community leaders joined together to endorse the administration's plan and affirm their commitment to creating a vital upstate economy. Since its proposal in the executive budget, the Upstate Revitalization Fund has received endorsements from more than 1,000 leaders across the state. The support highlights the strong desire for the fund, which would infuse badly-needed capital into the upstate economy and position the region as an engine for economic growth and opportunity. "Today's endorsements demonstrate the bipartisan, statewide desire to revitalize the upstate economy," said Paterson. "In tough economic times, we know the future of New York depends on a robust upstate economy, which offers New Yorkers good jobs, affordable housing, the best education and strong communities." The Upstate Revitalization Plan is one of several initiatives in the executive budget designed to make the upstate region more attractive to growing businesses and families by reducing the costs of doing business, making key investments in infrastructure, housing, transportation and parks, and making more capital available to businesses. The governor is working with the state legislature to build a consensus around the plan. Mayor Robert Duffy said, "I want to thank governor Paterson for his continued support of the $1 billion Upstate Revitalization Fund. The broad coalition backing the initiative that was discussed today is just the latest indication that people across the state are dedicated to a brighter future for all New Yorkers. I deeply appreciate governor Paterson, who continues to make Upstate a priority. He will be a strong partner and tremendous ally for Rochester and for all of upstate." The administration has proposed a variety of initiatives under the fund, including $350 million for "Regional Blueprints" to provide capital for creating development-ready sites, industrial parks, establishing small business loan programs, and supporting cutting edge research and job creation. Other proposals which would be part of the fund include: * $115 million for an expanded "City by City" strategy to include new projects and smaller cities so that economic development investments can be tailored to fit local needs and jump start local economies; * $100 million for upstate housing and community development. * $50 million for agricultural programs which form the bedrock of so many local economies throughout upstate. * $80 million to restore New York's state parks, a major asset when it comes to attracting business and creating livable communities. * $130 million for a variety of transportation projects. * $175 million for initiatives including expanded access to Universal Broadband, venture capital investments, and job creation.