Funding Will Support 48 Projects that Align with Region's Strategic Plan

Region Awarded Additional $10 Million to Support Future Local High-Impact Projects

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that the Finger Lakes region was awarded $42.6 million through Governor Kathy Hochul's 2025 Regional Economic Development Council initiative. This funding will support 48 projects across nine counties, leveraging $160.1 million in additional public and private investments. The Finger Lakes region was also awarded $10 million to use toward future high-impact projects. 

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Governor Hochul’s REDCs continue to recommend proposals that will create jobs and spur new growth through a locally focused, bottom-up strategy to economic development. By awarding state funding to projects that align with regional priorities, New York is investing in new ideas, new efforts and new developments to promote community growth throughout the state."

Secretary of State and REDC Chair Walter T. Mosley said, "I want to congratulate all the dedicated individuals who worked so hard in helping promote, shape and drive sustainable economic development in our communities. Over the years, the REDC initiative has created jobs, affordable housing and sparked economies all across our state and the Department of State has been proud to play a role. I look forward to witnessing the growth of our communities through this initiative and seeing these projects come to fruition." 

Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. DeAnna Burt-Nanna and Bob Duffy said, "We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued investment in the Finger Lakes region. Thank you as well to everyone who is a part of the Regional Economic development Council for their focused vision and hard work, efforts that are truly paying off, creating a brighter future for everyone."

Projects awarded funding in the Finger Lakes include:  

• Town of Henrietta – $3.27 Million Pro Housing Supply Fund grant: The town will complete an extensive infrastructure project that will extend Fair Avenue and relocate the existing trunk sewer to the new road and run water, storm sewer, electric, and gas to the area to support 550 new housing units. The future housing projects includes a mix of affordable senior housing and market rate apartment units. The infrastructure project will also indirectly support additional municipal recreation and community space and additional retail plaza space. 

• Headwater Foods – $3 Million Regional Council Capital Fund grant: The regional food hub will build a new headquarters and operations center in the City of Rochester. The new facility will improve food distribution and provide cold storage and light processing to reduce spoilage, expand and diversify markets for New York farms and food businesses. The project will help transform a vacant former gas station site into a vibrant civic and commercial anchor and provide increased access to affordable and healthy foods in a distressed area of the city.

• Village of Phelps – $2.88 Million Pro Housing Supply Fund grant: The Village will undertake an infrastructure expansion project to support the future construction of a housing development that will increase its housing stock by 25%. To support this development, the Village will extend utilities such as public water and sewer service to the area. The future housing development will feature 144 new housing units consisting of a mix of single-family homes, 55+ patio homes, 55+ apartments, and apartments.

A full list of projects across all 10 regions is available here.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

About Empire State Development

ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through ILOVENY. For more information, please visit ESD’s website here, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

 Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313