SANBORN —
The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council made its way to Niagara County Community College on Thursday night to discuss issues specific to area residents.
NCCC was its last stop in a five-county public forum to educate residents and narrow down projects for funding through the state’s Consolidated Funding Application program.
Among the various topics discussed, residents determined tourism and agriculture to be the most important — tourism because of Niagara Falls, and agriculture because it is the county’s leading form of business, according to area business experts.
Chairman Howard Zemsky said the council is still in the beginning stages of picking projects for possible funding before it applies for the portion of $1 billion in state funds.
“Let’s take advantage of what we have with Niagara Falls,” said Falls resident Sarah DiPonzio. “Let’s clean up the city so people can come to our side instead of just Canada. I think we need to improve Niagara Falls’ image to attract people — that’s all part of the marketing concept that the council is talking about when referring to tourism.”
A Town of Hartland farmer, Corra Nightingale, said for her — and numerous other attendees on Thursday — the agricultural industry is hurting.
“People have to understand they can’t just take our land or want to buy it out from under us and set up a large building or things like windmills for alternative power,” Nightingale said. “This is our means of living and we have to protect our land. We, for one, are the reason people eat everyday and I encourage locals to support their homegrown foods.”
The council is constructing a five-year strategic plan for Western New York that will be finalized by Nov. 14. By Oct. 31, the council will apply for the Consolidated Funding Application, and by December, each district, including Western New York, will have a dollar amount the state will fund the area. No district will go without funds, Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy assured the public.
Western New York is part of the state’s 10 districts competing for $1 billion in state funding. Duffy who is overseeing all 10 councils, said each of the 10 districts — from Western New York to Long Island — will compete for $200 million in direct funding, with the four best district strategic plans each receiving $40 million of that chunk. The next six districts will then split the remaining $40 million.
Council member Christina Orsi said the council will be back in Niagara County for another public meeting later next month.
Local News
Regional Economic Development Council comes to NCCC
- Local News
-
-
Man charged in Casal attack says Falls boxer was the aggressor
An assault charge filed against a Town of Niagara man accused of attacking Niagara Falls boxer Nick Casal is heading to the grand jury.
-
Man survives plunge over Horseshoe Falls
Crowds visiting Niagara Falls on the Victoria Day holiday watched the rescue of a man who plunged at least 180 feet over the falls and survived.
-
Sponsors say yes, Wallenda says he'll fight harness to the end
The television sponsors of Nik Wallenda's history-making walk across Niagara Falls have delivered the final word on whether the aerialist will wear a harness during his daredevil stunt.
Wallenda says he will battle the issue until he puts his foot on that wire June 15.
-
Mayor showcases the city's planning efforts for Wallenda Walk
The mayor assembled a visual display Monday to demonstrate the extensive planning being undertaken by the city for the Wallenda walk June 15.
-
Lewiston village board contends with safety issues
The Lewiston Village Board thinks it's unsafe to conduct fundraisers in the middle of its busiest street.
In an effort to keep everyone safe as possible along Center Street, the board denied a varsity football team request to collect money from motorists buzzing by on June 2 and 16 and instead approved the team to hold a car wash at the village hall.
-
VIDEO: 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse
The solar eclipse that took place Sunday evening was an annular eclipse, one in which the moon blocks almost all of the sun. Some of the best viewing was in Asia, as with this video filmed in Japan.
-
Police probe incident that led to Lockport standoff
Few new details were released Sunday concerning the standoff suicide at 250 Willow St. Saturday night that apparently left a man dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and sent an elderly woman to the hospital.
-
Spirit officials unapologetic about policies
Spirit Airlines, the Florida-based company that has been operating service out of the Niagara Falls International Airport, has come under attack by the national media for its "stingy" business practices that make it the most profitable airline in the U.S.
-
Water shut-offs coming in the Falls
The Niagara Falls Water Board will begin its annual shut off program of delinquent water and sewer accounts for non-payment of services on May 21. Notices were issued in mid-April and early May to 605 customer accounts totaling more than $166,139 in past-due billings.
-
NEXUS gets a boost
An improved NEXUS program — designed for low-risk travelers between the U.S. and Canada — is expected to expedite legitimate trade and tourism at the border.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Ravi Spared Prison in Rutgers Webcam Case
Miss. Prison Quiet After Riot; 1 Dead
Obama Confident Afghans Can Take Security Lead
Raw Video: Deadly Bombing at Yemen Parade Preps
Professor: Chinese Activist's 'Spirit Is Good'
Ring of Fire Eclipse Seen in U.S., Asia
Golden Gate Bridge Celebrates 75 Years
G-8 Seeks Unity on Euro-debt Crisis, Iran
Prosecutors: Trio Planned to Attack Obama's HQ
Obama: G8 Unified in Stance on Iran, Syria
