October 2003

Congressman Boehlert Announces $150,000 for Cortland County IDA

Rep. Sherwood Boehlert has announced at $150,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to the Cortland County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). These funds will be used to make infrastructure extensions that will lay the foundation for future potential job growth at the Finger Lakes Business Park in the Village of Homer.

"This funding will provide much needed resources to complete development and fully market the new business park near I-81 in Homer," said Boehlert. "I commend Linda Hartsock and her team for their outstanding work in preparing the Finger Lakes Business Park for new businesses and continuing to promote economic development in Cortland County. Rest assured, I will continue to work with the Cortland County IDA to create more high-paying jobs and promote further economic development initiatives in the County."

Linda Hartsock, Executive Director of the Cortland County IDA said, "This is a major boost for phase II of the Finger Lakes Business Park. We are actively working with prospective businesses on relocation projects and this funding will help clear the way. Thanks to Congressman Boehlert for his continued support and for working directly with prospective businesses to promote our relocation efforts. This is a perfect example of how public/private partnerships can create jobs and produce outstanding results."

Expanded infrastructure in Cortland County will allow full development of the business park, helping prepare an 18-acre site capable of holding 400-600 jobs among several small employers and will help restore some of the manufacturing jobs lost over the past two decades. The project will include construction of a street into the site, along the 1,440 feet of water and sewer extensions.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. The Appalachian Regional Commission awards grants from funds appropriated to the Commission annually by Congress.