NEW YORK - Empire State Development’s Board of Directors met in New York City and approved funding totaling $13.8 million, leveraging more than $17.7 million in additional investments to support business growth, create over 30 new, full-time jobs and retain more than 3,100 existing jobs in New York State.

“The Board’s actions today are a clear demonstration of how ESD, under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, is working to improve the business climate, create and retain jobs, and spur real economic growth,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “The funds approved today will help Regional Council priority projects move closer to completion, improve access to capital and technical assistance for small businesses and M/WBEs, and increase companies’ bottom line as they grow. Last year was a banner year for ESD, but 2013 is shaping up to be even better as we continue to make smart investments that produce real results for New Yorkers.”

The Board approved the following Regional Council Capital Fund grants:

• Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Western New York – Erie County) – $5,100,000

• MVEDGE Marcy Nanocenter Interceptor Sewer Upgrade (Mohawk Valley Region – Oneida County) – $5,000,000

• Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority (North Country Region – St. Lawrence County) – $450,000

The Board approved the following Economic Development Fund grants:

• Community Development Financial Institutions Assistance Program (Statewide) – $1,710,000
  *The full list of CDFIs receiving funding through this program is available here.

• ITT Geospatial Systems (Finger Lakes Region –  Monroe County) – $1,540,000

The next meeting of the ESD Board of Directors will be held in March.

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov).