PLATTSBURGH — U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are seeking stimulus funding for northern border communities.
The New York senators, along with Olympia Snowe of Maine and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, are urging the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide funding from the $50 million recently authorized in the stimulus package for regional economic development.
The funding would go to the Northern Border Regional Commission and would help economically distressed areas of New York, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
"Despite its critical role in the regional and international economy, too often the northern border is a neglected after-thought in our policy and funding decisions," Schumer said.
"Fully funding, the Northern Border Regional Commission will allow the people who know the area best to implement strategies to create growth, improve aging infrastructure and spur job creation."
The commission is designed to help distressed areas in several northern border states, including the New York counties of Cayuga, Clinton, Franklin, Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence.
The 36 counties in the commission area have poverty levels above the national average, median household income that is more than $6,500 below the national average, persistent unemployment fed by constant layoffs in traditional manufacturing industries and a significant out-migration and loss of younger workers, according to a news release from Schumer's office.
The commission will invest in these communities and work to create and implement regional economic-development plans to reduce poverty, address changing land use and improve the quality of life for residents.
The commission will also provide funding for projects that stimulate economic development and promote the historic character, sustainable development and industries in the region.
Schumer, Gillibrand, Shaheen and Snowe sent a letter to Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Sandra R. Walters, urging her to direct the funding to the commission.
"During these difficult economic times, it is important that the Northern Border Regional Commission receive funding so that it can get to work for our states," the letter read in part.
"Funding this commission will provide new and important economic-development tools that our state leaders, communities, economic-development experts and local stakeholders can utilize together to promote solutions to our shared regional challenges."
E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com
Local News
Sens. seek northern border stimulus funds
- Breaking News
-
-
Tornado watch in effect until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms with large hail are forecast, too.
-
Subcommittee recommends top bidder for Horace Nye Nursing Home
After touring facilities run by the three bidders for the Essex County Facility, the subcommittee chose Centers for Specialty Care of New York City.
-
Tornado watch in effect until 9 p.m.
- New Today
-
-
Lake Placid man dies in motorcycle crash
Edward L. Brown, 60, was riding his 2003 Harley on State Route 9N in the Town of Black Brook when he lost control, police say.
-
New display honors Podres
Signs welcoming visitors to The Town of Moriah will soon feature Dodgers hurler Johnny Podres of Witherbee.
-
Lake Placid man dies in motorcycle crash
- Local News
-
-
Clinton County legislators cut bus runs
Vote unanimous despite some beg to keep service as is.
-
Child Support Unit brings in millions
Parents who don't pay child support as ordered may find their retirements stripped.
-
Crown Point remembers on Memorial Day
After a solemn cemetery tour, 144th Memorial Day parade drew hundreds to honor those who have served and those in harm's way.
-
Keeseville residents give input on dissolution
A committee to study the proposed village dissolution offered two options.
-
CCRS wins Grammy Foundation grant
A $5,500 grant from the Grammy Foundation's Signature Schools program will provide students with greater access to multicultural music.
-
Moriah youth to compete in National Spelling Bee
Nicholas Manfred will take on 277 other spellers starting today in Washington, D.C.
-
Health Department predicts heavy tick season
People can take precautions to prevent Lyme disease infection, including wearing proper clothing, using insect repellent with DEET and checking for ticks on the body whenever in an area where ticks may inhabit.
- May 28, 2012
-
Moriah youth to compete in National Spelling Bee
Nicholas Manfred will take on 277 other spellers starting Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
-
Clinton County legislators cut bus runs
Vote unanimous despite some beg to keep service as is.
-
Rochester teen drowns in Upper Saranac Lake
Keenen J. Green was volunteering with the Young Life group when he vanished beneath the water in Harrietstown Friday.
-
Clinton County pays off landfill debt
That means about $195,000 less in expenditures yearly.
-
Plattsburgh war widow learns husband's fate
An envelope from the U.S. Army arrived out of the blue, at last answering some of Ethel Dick's questions.
-
Memorial Day events set for Monday
Parades and services remember those who served.
-
Franklin County home-sale fees down
Franklin County is seeing fewer large-home sales in a sluggish economy right now, but the forecast is for an upswing as potential buyers gain confidence and reconsider making a purchase.
-
CVPH Eat Dessert First venue to change
The cancer-survivor celebration will be held June 15 before the annual Relay for Life event at Clinton County Fairgrounds.
-
Shine On! a learning experience for girls, parents, students
The recent overnight conference was aimed at developing resiliency in young girls, planned and executed by public-relations majors at Plattsburgh State.
-
Lookback: May 28, 2012
News stories from around the region from 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago this week.
-
Students: May 28, 2012
Students from around the region who have earned special recognition.
-
Clinton County legislators cut bus runs
- Recent Article Comments


