DHCR Announces Approval of $2.1 Million to Help Businesses Across New York Create and Save 179 Jobs

ALBANY, NY (03/31/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) today announced $2.1 million in funding through the New York State Community Development Block Grant (NYS CDBG) Economic Development program to help businesses in Ontario, Niagara, Clinton, and Oswego Counties expand, and create and save 179 jobs.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "As New York works to recover from the economic crisis, it's important we strengthen the businesses that are the backbone of our economy. New York State CDBG grants help to lay the foundation for economic recovery because they assist companies in accessing the resources they need to be successful. That means more job opportunities and security for working families, and increased economic activity for local communities."

DHCR Acting Commissioner Brian Lawlor said, "The grants we announce today will help businesses move forward with start-up and expansion plans, remain competitive, and create jobs for low to moderate-income families. The NYS CDBG program has a direct impact on the health of businesses and on their ability to contribute to the quality of life in their regions. The investments we make today will be a boost to communities and pay off for years to come in the form of stronger local economies."

Lawlor said these grants will leverage more than $14.1 million in private and public financing and include:

City of Plattsburgh receives $650,000 to assist start-up SOLVE Composites, create 44 jobs

The City of Plattsburgh in Clinton County will receive $650,000 to assist in the start-up of SOLVE Composites, LLC. SOLVE manufactures composite parts for the transit and building materials industry, and will begin operations by manufacturing materials for Nova Bus, which opened a new facility in Plattsburgh in 2009 with the support of NYS CDBG grants. SOLVE will lease a 37,500 square-foot facility in the Imperial Industrial Park.

NYS CDBG resources will leverage almost $3 million in private resources and will be used for employee training costs, machinery and equipment, and to purchase inventory. The company will create 44 new full-time jobs within two years, 28 of which will be made available to low and moderate-income families.

City of Oswego receives $601,000 to expand Best Western's Capital Quarters Hotel and create 39 jobs

The City of Oswego in Oswego County will receive $601,000 to expand and rehabilitate the Best Western Captain's Quarters Hotel in downtown Oswego. The hotel restaurant was destroyed by a fire in 2006 and the expansion project will include a new restaurant, 18 luxury suites, and a 450-seat conference center. The project is in-line with the City of Oswego's 2020 Comprehensive Vision Plan and the Oswego Waterfront Revitalization Program.

NYS CDBG funds will be used for working capital and soft costs and will leverage more than $5.5 million in other public and private resources. The project will also receive $1 million through the Empire State Development Corporation's Restore NY program. Within two years, the hotel will create 21 full-time and 36 part-time jobs, 70% of which will be made available to low and moderate-income families.

City of North Tonawanda receives $316,000 to help Calgon Carbon Corporation stay and expand, create 23 jobs

North Tonawanda in Niagara County will receive $316,000 to help Calgon Carbon Corporation develop a reactivated carbon production center at its facility in the city. Reactivated carbon is used to purify drinking water, air and other liquids and gas. The company was considering a move to Ohio, but will instead take advantage of a unique opportunity to refurbish and put into full production an existing reactivated carbon furnace that the City of North Tonawanda operates at its water treatment plant.

The NYS CDBG funds will be used to acquire machinery and equipment and will leverage more than $2.5 million in private resources. The company will create 23 new full-time jobs within two years, 20 of which will be available to low and moderate-income families.

Ontario County receives $315,000 to help Info Directions, Inc. expand and create 23 jobs

Ontario County will receive $315,000 to help Info Directions, Inc. (IDI) expand and develop a new product. The company develops billing and customer care software for the telecommunications industry and the expansion plan will allow the company to attract larger clients and serve more customers.

NYS CDBG funds will leverage more than $2.5 million in public and private resources, including $225,000 from Empire State Development Corporation, and will be used for working capital.

Town of East Bloomfield receives $240,000 to assist Crossman Corporation and save 50 jobs

The Town of East Bloomfield in Ontario County will receive $240,000 in NYS CDBG funds to help Crossman Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of air guns, soft guns, and related products. The company is seeking to transfer the manufacturing of five products from China to East Bloomfield to avoid significant job loss at its East Bloomfield plant. NYS CDBG funds will help the company acquire machinery and equipment.

NYS CDBG funds will leverage an additional $620,000 in private investment and save 50 at-risk jobs, of which at least 30 are currently held by low-and moderate-income families. The project also includes $240,000 from the Empire State Development Corporation.

The NYS CDBG program is federally funded and administered by DHCR's Office of Community Renewal. The NYS CDBG program provides resources to New York's small communities to enable the development of decent, affordable housing, create suitable living environments, and enhance economic opportunities across the state.

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