FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2014
Contact:  Scott Salotto  (845) 638-5645

ROCKLAND COUNTY LEADS MID-HUDSON VALLEY REGION IN 2014 STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (CFA) FUNDING COMPETITION

NEW CITY, NY --  County Executive Ed Day today announced that the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC) endorsed five Rockland County projects as regional priorities for Round IV of Governor Andrew Cuomo's Regional Council initiative.  A total of 25 projects were endorsed in the Mid-Hudson Valley, with Rockland County achieving 20% of the recommended priority projects.

"In a nutshell, Rockland County has jumped from worst to first in Governor Cuomo's competition for economic development dollars," said County Executive Day. "One of my core campaign promises involved economic growth -  attracting investment, expanding business development and creating jobs - all of which are keys to our long-term economic vitality. Today's recognition by the MHREDC will put Rockland County in a stronger position to attract more private investment and drive job growth."

The following priority projects in Rockland County have been endorsed by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council:

LEGOLAND New York - This overall $250 million project consists of the development and construction of the LEGOLAND NY theme park, which once constructed would be followed potentially by a LEGOLAND Water Park, LEGOLAND hotel, and the expansion of the theme park. The CFA application requests assistance with phase one infrastructure work. The project would provide an unprecedented boost to regional tourism as LEGOLAND NY projects up to two million visitors annually (approximately), two thirds of which would be tourists to the Mid-Hudson region.

Anellotech DS3 - This project consists of the construction of a structure to house a pilot plant to conduct processing applications previously researched and developed on a bench scale in the biomass sector to produce basic chemicals such as benzene, toluene and mixed eylenes.

Brooklyn Brewery Production Facility - This proposed expansion of the Brooklyn Brewery includes construction of a state-of-the-art 400,000 expandable to 1 million barrel brewery in a 200,000 square foot building on approximately 25 acres in the lower Hudson Valley or a location in New York City.

Hudson Valley Craft Beer Cider and Spirits Project - This project consists of the creation of the Hudson Valley artisanal craft beer, cider and distilling incubator. The project sponsor will bottle and label their own hard cider as well as lend the facility to manufacture and contract brew for smaller craft brewers that are presently manufacturing their goods outside of New York State, or do not have the capacity to grow their own brands or have the know-how to bring products to market. The project would create approximately twenty direct jobs by its completion and also help the farming industry in the area by revitalizing the farming of hops in New York State, in addition to the use of New York-grown apples, grapes and other crops.

Jawonio Integrated Health Wellness and Work Project - A $24 million enhancement, consolidation and expansion of Jawonio's New City campus, which will include substantial renovation/construction of a 97,000 square foot building, and IT infrastructure enhancements which will position Jawonio for the planned expansion of its employment services division, social enterprises, health center and provide a centralized headquarters for its multi-faceted agency.

Rockland County Economic Development Director Calherbe Monel said, "It's great to see the result of collaborative work between Rockland County and the private sector.  Our CFA information outreach to local businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and other stakeholders has set the bar for years to come."

"I am thrilled that, in this fourth round of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, Rockland County has risen to the level where we belong," said Rockland Business Association President Al Samuels. "I am hopeful that the quality of Rockland's projects will help the region achieve the designation of Top Performer."

Rockland Community College President Dr. Cliff Wood said, "It has been my honor to represent Rockland County on the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. The proposed projects represent significant economic growth for Rockland, and are of a high caliber."

Samuels and Dr. Wood are Rockland County's representatives on the MHREDC.

If awarded funding this fall, the MHREDC's full slate of priority projects has the potential to generate over $600 million in economic activity for the Hudson Valley and the potential to create and retain more than 3,500 full-time jobs as well as create 3,700 construction jobs in the Mid-Hudson Region. (Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess)