Cortland County is situated at the geographic convergence of three regions: Central New York, the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier. It is part of the Central New York Economic Development region, the Finger Lakes Tourism region and the Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Board.
For more information:
Empire State Development
Central New York Regional Office
620 Erie Boulevard West, Suite 112
Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: (315) 425-9110
Fax: (315) 425-7156
E-mail: nys-centralny@empire.state.ny.us
Central New York is New York State's agricultural heartland, and its strategic location has also made it a prime location for industry as well as a major center for distribution.
Location
The Central New York region borders Lake Ontario to the north and embraces the state's heartland. Its strategic location has enabled it to develop into a major manufacturing region, and nexus for distribution and services.
Area
3,590 square miles
Market access
The area's comprehensive multi-modal transportation system provides access to a huge industrial market. Within a 750-mile radius of Syracuse is half the combined population of the US and Canada, as well as half the personal income and half of the manufacturing plants.
Transportation
Major east-west access is provided by the New York State Thruway, I-90.
Major north-south access is provided by Interstate 81.
Rail service is provided by Amtrak and CSX and NYS&W, which operates an intermodal transfer center in Syracuse.
Port facilities at the Port of Oswego provides direct access to the St. Lawrence Seaway for ocean-going vessels, and the New York State Canal System can be accessed at several points in the region.
Education
More than 60,000 students are enrolled in more than a dozen institutions of higher education.
Quality of Life
Central New York's abundance of natural resources supports a year-round tourist and recreation industry. Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and Oneida Lake provide opportunities for water sports. Winter weather attracts alpine and nordic skiers. The City of Syracuse has been highly rated by national publications for outstanding quality of life, suitability for families and as a highly desirable place to live.