PLATTSBURGH — Sen. Charles Schumer toured the Strand Theatre and took part in a brief economic roundtable with local government and business officials Thursday.
It was Schumer's first visit inside the theater, a project for which he helped secure $300,000 in grant funding.
While that's not enough to finish the project, it has helped keep it in motion, he said.
Schumer said it is a vital part of downtown economic revitalization. In addition to attending shows, visitors are likely to dine at downtown establishments and stay in area hotels, he said.
"I'll be continuing to work with the Strand Theatre because I believe it is a real magnet for downtown," Schumer said.
Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Bernie Bassett said he firmly believes funds spent on community development, such as the Strand, bring results.
"It does take resources," he said.
VISA PROGRAM
Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said Schumer will help expedite the chamber's EB-5 visa application. That allows people who invest at least $500,000 in ventures that create 10 jobs or more to eventually become U.S. citizens.
Schumer said he is very hopeful the application will be approved.
TRANSPORTATION ACT
Nova Bus Plant Manager James Tooley asked for Schumer's support for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, which will be brought to a vote in 120 days.
Tooley said transit authorities will be able to make plans for new orders if they know if funding is available.
"You will have it," Schumer replied.
He said he's a strong supporter of mass transit because the equipment is made in upstate locations and used by riders downstate.
BROADBAND
Howard Lowe spoke on behalf of CBN Connect, the proposed $39.8 million broadband network to connect Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties with high-speed Internet service providers.
CBN Connect applied for $27 million in stimulus funding through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration but has not received funding.
Lowe said the project would create more than 430 jobs.
Schumer said he has made many calls in support of the project.
He said it enables students to learn better and also allows people to work from home so they can work for employers not in this area, if needed.
PFIZER TRAINING
North Country Workforce Investment Board Executive Director Paul Grasso thanked Schumer for his help in maximizing Trade Adjustment Act benefits for those affected by the Pfizer closings.
He said that of the 201 employees eligible, 91 are enrolled in training.
Grasso said that without the maximized benefits, they would not have been able to provide anywhere near as much training as needed.
But, he questioned why those affected aren't allowed to put their own money toward additional training.
Schumer said that makes no sense. He said he would be in touch when work-force funding comes up again in Congress.
HOME MEDICAL PILOT
CVPH Medical Center President Stephens Mundy said that as part of the Adirondack Region Medical Home Pilot Program, every primary-care physician will have received Level 2 certification by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
The program emphasizes a team-based approach to health care focused on preventive care supported by the use of new technology and electronic records-keeping.
Schumer said that if that practice were in place throughout the country, the health-care savings would be incredible. He said there has been little, if any, controversy with the electronic-records-keeping portion of the health-care reform that passed Congress.
CONTENT PROVISIONS
Imperial Industrial Park Manager David Bray said a lot of his tenants decided to locate at the former Imperial Wallcovering Mill because of U.S. content provisions. Schumer said he's all for those provisions, which also led Bombardier Transportation and Nova Bus to locate assembly plants in the Plattsburgh area.
WORKING TOGETHER
CV-TEC Director Dr. Barry Mack said a letter of support from Schumer has helped Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute get on a list to possibly receive a used FedEx jet.
City of Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak noted that Schumer has been a frequent visitor.
"Senator, it's always a pleasure to welcome you back. You know where we are."
County Legislator Sara Rowden noted that the region has a large number of groups that work together to make things happen.
Schumer agreed, saying that unlike other areas, where groups each focus on their own project, North Country efforts led by Douglas are smart, focused and have a purpose.
"You make it easy for me," he said.
E-mail Dan Heath at:
dheath@pressrepublican.com
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