ALBANY - Governor Andrew Cuomo hosted the Regional Economic Development Councils ON Tuesday to hear from co-chairs on the economic successes to date that have occurred as a result of the Regional Council planning which has transformed the way New York invests in economic development and creates jobs. Currently, all 739 projects that are receiving state funds are underway and more than 75 percent have already reached their first milestone. The meeting featured progress updates from each of the 10 regions on implementing the strategic plans and job-creating projects. The meeting also provided a preview of regional economic development planning for the coming year.

During the meeting, the Governor made announcements on key programs and new initiatives that will support the next round of the Regional Councils and rebuild New York’s economy, including the Connect NY Program which will provide $25 million in grants to bring high speed Internet access to unserved communities throughout the state.

“Over the past year, we have seen that regional collaborations and a locally-driven approach to job creation are effective in once again making New York work and putting New Yorkers back to work,” Governor Cuomo said. “Today’s meeting shows the incredible progress we have made and the new programs planned for next year as we continue to build a New New York that supports business and creates jobs.”

The meeting provided an open forum for each region to discuss their experience throughout the first year of the Regional Council initiative. Each region delivered a presentation highlighting the progress being made during the implementation of their strategic plans and advancement of priority job-creating projects. Representatives from the Councils also discussed best practices and gave a preview of the 2012 Regional Council process.